Car buying decision, help!?

Question

Due to some idiots negligence, I must take the 5400 from my totaled hyundai settlement and buy a new car, taking on a car payment for the first time ever. I don't want to spend too much, less than $10K. I'm narrowed down to three choices and am wondering how reliable these cars will be and which is the better choice. I want something that will last and not break down on me. I'm looking at a 2002 Volvo S40, a 2001 VW Passat, and a 1998 Volvo S70. WHich is the better choice, will last a long time and won't cost an arm and a leg on repairs? Mind you my brother is a mechanic so I will only pay for parts. Just want some input from others experience. THanks!

Answer 1

Dont go with none of them dats what i would do i would rather go with a chevy because they last longer dan any other brand, when ur driving down da street c wat brand are most cars, chevy, so go with a chevy cuz it is made here in the US and volvo and vw are imported and altough they are cheap parts are expensive because they are imported

Answer 2

used VWs and Volvos are very unreliable

my advice is avoid all of the above.

don't buy an Audi, Volvo, jaguar or a Jeep.

if your married to the idea of a volvo

02 S60

02 V70

03 V70

04 S60 (FWD)

03XC70

04 S80 5 cyl

04 V70

are better than most

avoid

C70 01

Cross Country 98 to 01

S40/V50 (non-turbo) 05 & 06

S40/V40 (turbo, FWD) 00 - 01 & 05

S80 6 cyl 99-00

V70 01

XC90 03-06

VW Passat

4 cyl  FWD 98-99, 01-03*, 06-07

V6 FWD 99 - 03*, 06

Answer 3

I think - you should also compare insurance quotes for these cars before buying one, for example here: http://autoinsurance.noneto.com

Answer 4

since your brother is a mechanic, trust that you won't be spending much.  I'm not into volvo, but looking at the years of manufacturing, it makes sense to go for the latest

Answer 5

For about $9000 you can buy a nice 2006 Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder model and you won't have to worry about any repairs for a long time other then normal maintenance.  All the cars you mention are expensive to repair and quite old with a history of below average reliability.  I'm guessing you choose those models because you think they are safe.  However, the Sonata is safer as it has more modern safety features like multiple airbags and maybe ESC on that year.  I'd go with the S40 though, since its the newest and will cost the least on gas.