Ditching project for a more family oriented vehicle

[Azar]

After seeing a few threads where a 69 C10 took a slight hit and resulted in some pretty serious damage, I'm pretty sure I'll be moving on from my truck project and into something a bit more family friendly.

Really just considering a big wagon at this point, from the late 90s to early 2000s. The obvious first option would be a BMW 5 series, but thinking some more, a Volvo wagon would also make sense. Both of them have dedicated followings, but I feel like the BMW probably has more action in the way of suspension options, rear end options to handle the power, etc. The BMW also would probably have a higher cost of admission to get into a decent one, and higher insurance costs...but they look about 30x better.

Was curious on repairs/hang ups from people who have had either. I'm thinking most will be more familiar with the BMW as I feel like I see a lot more of them on the road vs a Volvo. Also, I can't find any options for Volvo on the safety side of things...looks like BMW had side airbags and such as options in 98...

[freeskier7791]

I would think that volvo would have had lots of safety things standard.  What volvo are you specifically looking at?  I wanted a V70 T5 bad for a while. 

[Azar]

This would be a late 90s 960, probably...or whatever they're called. Has to be FR layout, as either project would be getting a LSx swap.

[frijolee]

FWIW a Volvo S70 would fit the bill, however the are about the hardest to work on vehicle I've ever tried.  Just installing a stereo (college days) on friend's car, we ran into a million single use clips holding on door panels that were a huge PITA.  At the time, it made me miss my Hondas mightily.  My friend's car eventually ended up having the ABS crap out and he got so pissed he walked into a used car dealership and said "I never want to see it again, give me a number to have it go away."  <- Probably not his best negotiating moment.

That said, they're quiet, roomy, and if you get the T5 package they're already relatively sporty (decent factory wheels and suspension).  Can't remember if they were FR for certain though.

[screamin88]

Join the smug side and go BMW. Plenty of support if you wanted to swap it. And they look sexy.

BTW, your comment about the kids and safety heavily swayed my decision to stick with the e46. That and the head bolt threads shitting the bed before selling it to my brother. 

[su_maverick]

BMW - The e39s still look good

[screamin88]

^ see

That makes my sticker peck up.

[spacevomit]

All the Joji Nagashima cars still look good. I parted out a wrecked E36 before, and compared to my FD, I seem to remember it using a heavier gauge of sheet metal on the exterior panels and stuff. Not unlike old Volvos.

PS: How did you expect a '69 C10 to do in a crash? 

[largeorangefont]

Caprice/Custom Cruiser/Roadbastard wagon

[smg id=8859 type=full align=center caption="IMG 4131"]

[spacevomit]

Dystopic choice. 

[largeorangefont]

Dystopic choice. 

It's quite liberating.

[Grumpy]

Here is my other hybrid.. Buick V6 Turbo of course . Cars is a blast to drive. Hotchkis  Suspension front and rear. Believe it or not it handles great. Sway bars are huge. Sleeps 12 




I know its not classy beside a Beeemer    Oh the car ran high 12s 

[largeorangefont]

Here is my other hybrid.. Buick V6 Turbo of course . Cars is a blast to drive. Hotchkis  Suspension front and rear. Believe it or not it handles great. Sway bars are huge. Sleeps 12 




I know its not classy beside a Beeemer    Oh the car ran high 12s 

Hell. Yes.

These GM B bodies do handle pretty well all things considered.

[digitalsolo]

Well you can put in "cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks"....

[largeorangefont]

Well you can put in "cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks"....

I bought mine with all that shit on it.