Any reason I should avoid buying a Volvo S60 for the same price as a Camry/Accord?

[Blackzilla]

Man, I love Volvos, especially the recent S60/80 line. They're gorgeous, and I still miss my 240 that I had way back in college. Looking at the prices in the classifieds and carmax, I was surprised to see that I can get one for around the same price/miles as a Camry or Accord. Is there any reason I shouldn't - are the current Volvos more expensive to repair or maintain than they used to be? Are they more or less reliable? I really don't want to do a ton of research on the subject, because I was just planning on getting a boring Camry or another Accord - but now I want a gorgeous S60!

[Sattua]

Hee hee, I grew up with a Volvo 240. Love 'em. When I met my husband he was driving an 850 identical to the one I had in college. It's not the reason I fell in love with him, but it didn't hurt.

The drawback of a Volvo is that it can be hard to find parts for them and hard to find someone who will work on them. If you have a Volvo dealership in a convenient location you're all set though. I do think the parts are somewhat more expensive than those for Japanese cars, but if you're buying a new Volvo it oughta be quite a while before you need any...

[Gary T]

In general, parts and service for European cars are more expensive and harder to find than for Asian and American cars.

[Gatopescado]

No cite, but I've heard the Volvos are plagued with little electrical gremlins. The Toyota or Honda would be bullit-proof.

I'd buy the Volvo, however.

[OldnCrinkly]

As others have said, parts are less common and more expensive.

[alice_in_wonderland]

I have an s40 that I love quite deeply and have had no problems - friend has an s60 that she has had no issues either - both are 07s - my mom has an 08 camery (hybrid) and hasn't had many issues either.

FWIW - we seem to pay about the same for maintenance.

[DrDeth]

Originally Posted by Gatopescado

No cite, but I've heard the Volvos are plagued with little electrical gremlins. The Toyota or Honda would be bullit-proof.

I'd buy the Volvo, however.

At one time, they were. But no longer. Volvos are bullet proof. But yes, parts are not as cheap. I'd get the Volvo, too.