 |
| Delft, The Netherlands |
Although many cars come close, and many preppy people drive non-preppy cars, there truly is only one preppy car that continues to endure, and that is the Volvo Wagon.
There are many notable contenders in this category:
- Mercedes (a bit flashy)
- BMW (a bit aggressive)
- Saab (a bit bohemian, better pre-GM)
- Audi (a bit slick)
Here are the top attributes:
- Clean Swedish lines
- Best safety record
- Not "too smooth" ride
- Solid feel
- Ages well (In Maine, the older the better)
- Can last forever
- Environmentally sensitive manufacturing process
- Supremely comfortable seats
- Like a golden retriever, it looks great old, new, muddy or clean
Newport Harbor, Rhode Island
Acceptable colors: Navy Blue, Silver, Hunter Green, the "right" shade of Maroon. Bright Red can sometimes qualify if paired with the correct trim.
26 comments:
2010 is last year for V70, what bout the next choice, a sedan, or a Subru wagon perhaps?
Also, does Chinese ownership of the brand portend future problems for this staid old standby?
I was very upset when I first heard this news. My understanding is that the V70 will continue to be sold in Europe. I do believe that here in the US we will still be able to get the XC70, as Volvo is keeping the entire XC line-up. I think the V70 is better looking, but I need the higher ground clearance and all wheel drive of the XC70 as we have a very long gravel driveway with a hill and snow!
As for sedans, I am not at all pleased with the new S80. My husband has the last S80 body style which we vastly prefer.
I don't know what to think about the Chinese ownership. I do remember having the same feelings when J. Press made their deal with the Japanese back in the '70s, and that has turned out just fine. Let's hope.
I think you are right to think about a Subaru wagon. I really like the re-design, and that's where I would look first if Volvo was no longer an option.
Thanks for the response. I haven't found anyone else that seems to care much. It would appear that the thing to look for in a car, or almost any other material possession is "understated elegance".
To me, that leaves out almost anything in the auto world today. The V70 was all that was left.
We'll keep looking. My V70 may last a long time. Where we live, they aren't broken in without a solid coating of dog hair on the interior, dings and scratches, and a lot of sand still in the back from last summer.
Hi,
I just happened across this post, and you forgot the esteemed Jaguar car brand.I'm referring to the classic old shape( before the awful 2009 or 2010 reworking) with the leaping jaguar.
I am a huge fan of Inspector Morse's 1961 Mark 2! A worthy Endeavour!
I've owned both a Volvo and a Saab, the Saab handled better in the snow then the Volvo.
Our Volvo turned out to be a money pit sad.
Purchased a BMW 325i and it's a really nice drive! great on long trips! Great handling! Love the looks of the BMW X3 or the Range Rover. Expensive to fix after warranty runs out.
Suburu too Vermont hippie for me!
I bought a silver Toyota RAV4 sport and really like it despite all the media hype it's nice ride.
I've been privileged to drive several Volvo wagons over the years (from the 140 and 240 series, as well as couple XC70s). I currently have a 2005 XC90, which I very much like, but my heart still goes out the the 2005 XC70. It was a very comfortable car, could carry a ton yet still seat two people.
I stumbled across your blog, and very much enjoy what I've read thus far.
I am a tru prep and the Saab is truly a prep car! It's classy and understated.
Are hybrids considered Prep? A prius may not be traditional, but it does share some Prep values. Another note would be diesels; the TDI VWs or CDI Mercedes-Benzes seem to be popular with Preps.
Muffy-
I have 1998 Land Rover Discovery, dark green. I bought it in 2007 for $8k. I've put about $12k into keeping it running. It looks great, gets lousy gas mileage. I'm considering something like a
2008 V70. I don't think I'll be embarassed to drive one.
So the V70 is going the way of imho the preppiest Volvo wagon of all, the 240 series. It had such a good shape to it. My 01 civic works for me now, but I have had my eye on a Volvo for a while now.
A friend sent the link to this post after we purchased a Volvo XC. She was teasing me that after the car purchase we are now officially preppy, though I like to say that everything about our life is just practicle. If that's preppy then so be it. I am glad she sent the link because I love your blog.
I agree with everything you said about the Volvo wagon and can't wait until mine ages to look even better!
Hi Muffy,
Just came across your blog and saw this post. We always had a navy V70, but when we moved to Conn., we had to get the XC70...couldn't tell you how many times we got stuck in the snow the first winter!
@Anonymous - I too had a navy V70 and I too had difficulty in the snow - hence the navy XC70!
Hello Muffy,
I have seen many preps driving Land Rovers/Range Rovers. I understand the the older Range Rover discovery is considered a car a prep would drive, but what about new models, mostly of Range Rovers?
Thanks!
@James - They just don't do anything for me as they have gotten flashier of late - further from their "veld" roots. They seem to be the darling car of what I might call "high-end Jersey Shore".
What do you think of the new S60 design? I just don't know if it captures that Volvo look, but it does look sportier.
@Anonymous - I really don't like it at all. What I want from a Volvo is boxy and safe. Now that they have brought back their old designer, it will be interesting to see what he does.
240 for life! Ironically the pic at the top of the article is of a 164- only ever a sedan.
@architectom - You are absolutely right. The picture is of a sedan. But I still haven't swapped it out as I just love the picture, and selfishly it evokes good memories of Delft. But I agree with you completely - there is nothing like the 240!
What's your opinion on a black used 2006 xc70? My family just got rid of the 1997 850 wagon a few years ago.
I drive an 06 BMW 5 series wagon and I (or one of my children) will be driving it for another 15 years, at least. I love my wagon. We will be picking up a used Toyota Land Cruiser next year and I can't wait! Love the older Volvos, just not the XC line so much. Long live cars you can drive for 10-15 years.
Hello Muffy,
I've had a Volvo S60 for five years. It has been wonderful and extremely reliable. However, I travel excessively and have put over 300,000 miles on the car. I absolutely love the design of the XC70, but many of the reviews state that it is very unreliable. What are your feelings on this issue. Is it worth the unreliabilty?
Hi Adam - The people to whom I talk tend to agree that the reliability on the current model is average/acceptable. In my experience they tend to be less reliable when a new model is first released, then the problems are smoothed out over the next few years.
Hi Muffy,
I find the boxy 1980's version of the volvo wagon to be preppiest (and most practical!). Great visibility. Immense cargo. Unmistakable Volvo styling.
I am on my 5th 240 two of which were wagons. My current 240 is a 1993 navy blue wagon. If I wanted to I could buy any new car I desire today, however I choose not to. Why? Because I like my 240. It works fine for me and people complement me on it. It's a California car so the body is in beautiful condition. I must admit though that some days I wonder what it would be like to drive one of those shiny new Range Rovers that blow by me on the freeways and are all over the place here in San Diego. Maybe someday but definitely not today.
Post a Comment