BMW or Volvo?

This is a nice interesting thread. You want to talk about reliability problems and go with BMW? That is highly laughable. BMW's aren't that reliable of cars and you do pay a premium for them. The repair costs alone would be enough to make most people stay away. Volvo isn't much worse or better when it comes to reliability, but they do offer much better bang for the buck and the safety features are some of the best there are. If you like turbocharged cars Volvos aren't bad, and they are highly effective sleeper cars from what I've seen.

The 3 series from BMW is too small for my tastes. Personally I would stay away from BMW at all times but that goes back to over 10 years of problems in my family with them.

I have driven in two different STi's and must say they are quick little cars for what they are. The handling isn't as good as the Evo VIII from Mitsubishi (the Subaru WRS ST's direct competition) but the overall presentation is much nicer. There is some room but it's not a mid-sized car so things in the back can get squashed really easily. If you're looking for a fun grocery getter that's the car to own.

I would wait for the new Legacy to be launched and test drive one of those before making a decision. I'm pretty sure I'll be trading in my old style Durango for a new Legacy. I want something more family like and has a more car like feel. Plus Subarus last forever.
 
Well, my Dad has been driving BMWs (always 3-series) for about the past 20-odd years. They've always been pretty reliable until his current one - a 320d which has broken down a couple of times. I think that this fact (together with the crappy service from our local dealership) means that he won't be getting another BMW.

If you want reliability, of course, Japanese cars are best.
 
There are only four Japanese companies that I would consider reliable. They are Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru. Some Mazda cars are very reliable, others have their 2nd home at the shop. I'll see how the RX8 goes and see if the Renesis rotary will be a crap fest like the rotary in the RX7. Still, aside from the engine the RX7 is one of the nicest cars I've had the pleasure to drive, modded of course. Don't get me started on Mitsubishi, only car I've been in love with from them is the 3000GT VR4, and trust me that is a love/hate relationship. When it is working it is very nice but when something breaks it is horrible. Still, that car is still going strong after a new engine rebuild and a new transfer case.
 
Sonic said:
Mazda cars are very reliable, others have their 2nd home at the shop.
Click to expand...
I had a '93 MX6 and the thing irritated the crap out of me. Broke down several times leaving me stranded--twice on a road trip. I promised myself I'd never buy Mazda again.
 
Take a look at the Nissan Murano. I just bought a 2004 SE AWD Copper one fro $34K and it's loaded with nice features. Drives about the same to me as the Infiniti FX35, it's stylish (to me), lots of power, the transmission is really unique and extremely smooth, great gas mileage and lots of room.

I bought this after looking at the BMW 3 series (to small, awesome to drive though), Audi A6, Passat W8. The Passat W8 is my favorite of the bunch, but my wife wanted extra room in the Murano. Oh, as for the Passat W8, look for the Sports package. It tightens down the suspension noticeable. Lots of nice features on that car too.
 
Sonic said:
There are only four Japanese companies that I would consider reliable. They are Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru. Some Mazda cars are very reliable, others have their 2nd home at the shop. I'll see how the RX8 goes and see if the Renesis rotary will be a crap fest like the rotary in the RX7.
Click to expand...

I think the RX8 is the only Mazda made in Japan so my thinking is that it's probably more reliable than the models made here in America. I get my opinion from my brother who is a tech at a Mazda dealership. At least he thinks the RX8 should be better.
 
I just remember that I've seen the British (hilarious) motor show "Top Gear" test the Volvo S60 R. Closing comment:

Tog Gear said:
It's not as quick as an M3, but far less embarrassing to drive.
Click to expand...
 
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