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I have been actively considering swapping my elderly 1998 Volvo 940 2.3Lpt Celebration Estate (only 73kmiles) for something newer as the time is supposedly better than ever to buy a new car. I’m a lifelong caravaner and had hoped to buy a car that will probably have to last me out before I become too enfeebled with ageing to carry on. I have Tried the Volvo V70, XC70 (lovely), XC 60 (wow!), Hyundai Santa Fe, (maybe), Freelander 2 (superb but pricey), KIA Sorento (noisy and gruff), Mercedes E220 AvantGarde Estate (funereal feel inside and not as quiet as expected), Jeep Cherokee (rough), Ford Mondeo 2.2 Estate (no auto), Nissan X Trail (no cache, but quite nice), Jaguar X Type 2.2 Auto Estate (very nice!). Having had the massive expense already of replacing a Dual Mass Flywheel on my Volvo after only 47Km, without help from Volvo I may add, I am reluctant to go for a manual gearbox model again (Mondeo 2.2 only available as a 6 speed manual). The Jaguar was my final preference. However, I read your articles and road tests and saw 'Not Recommended for Towing' in the case of the Jaguar on account of Towbar problems and electrical problems. I mentioned it to Jag dealership hoping to sell me a 58 plate 2.2 with 8,550 on clock for £22,995 plus towbar. The dealer assures me that all is now well and he has checked it out with his workshop who assure him that there are no problems. I am in a quandry now as the latest news is a possibility of £2,000 to take older cars off of the roads and I am only being offered £650-750 for my immaculate Volvo. Your advice would be gratefully received.
Asked on 11 April 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
You'll get a lot more than £650 - £750 for your Volvo. There's a good
market for that model in that sort of condition. No news on the scrappage scheme yet, probably because they don't have any money, but a lot of people are holding onto older cars in the hope they might soon get a £2,000 voucher for them. The Santa Fe 2.2 diesel auto might be a good idea. Not a great drive on the road, but brilliant on rough tracks. Still some discounts on Freelander IIs. An XC60 would make sense, even the lower power version. I did some extreme towing of a caravan over a Brecon Beacon with the new Cherokee, but can't recommend it for road use. Ford does do a diesel auto of the Mondeo and S Max 2.0TDCI. The Jag X-Type is really the old model Mondeo with the older chain cam engine, but is a means of getting as 2.2 diesel auto.
market for that model in that sort of condition. No news on the scrappage scheme yet, probably because they don't have any money, but a lot of people are holding onto older cars in the hope they might soon get a £2,000 voucher for them. The Santa Fe 2.2 diesel auto might be a good idea. Not a great drive on the road, but brilliant on rough tracks. Still some discounts on Freelander IIs. An XC60 would make sense, even the lower power version. I did some extreme towing of a caravan over a Brecon Beacon with the new Cherokee, but can't recommend it for road use. Ford does do a diesel auto of the Mondeo and S Max 2.0TDCI. The Jag X-Type is really the old model Mondeo with the older chain cam engine, but is a means of getting as 2.2 diesel auto.
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