Latest news with #Volvos
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Volvo Superfan Explains Why They're 'One Of the Best Cars' Under $5K For Teens. He Might Be Onto Something
A Volvo S60 owner says his vehicle is 'one of the best cars for teens' under $5,000. That's TikToker @majkic06 , who shows off a Volvo S60 from the 2000s. A series of on-screen text overlays accompany several glamour shots of the shiny vehicle in Majkic's viral post. The clip, which has accrued more than 84,000 views on the platform, highlights the car's interior and exterior. Furthermore, the Volvo owner writes: 'This is one of the best cars for teens under $5,000. Five-cylinder engine. Very safe as Volvos always are. Lots of tuning potential. Reliable. Looks great.' As they rattle off these selling points of the vehicle, images of the car's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and tires are displayed. Moreover, the S60's interior appears to be plush, with shiny, black leather seats. Majkic highlights this point in another TikTok post, giving props to the Swedish manufacturer. "Back when car interiors were simple, nice, and long-lasting.' Are Used Volvos Worth It? When it comes to used vehicle reliability, a few manufacturers' names almost always come to mind. Toyota and its luxury counterpart, Lexus, consistently dominate used reliability lists. Even if Consumer Reports says fellow Japanese automaker Subaru now holds the top reliability crown , Toyotas are renowned road warriors. Honda and Mazda also receive high marks for great used car investments. However, the Scandinavian brand isn't often included on this list. But does Majkic have a point? Should a teenager looking for a used car, who doesn't want to skimp on a sumptuous interior, consider purchasing a Volvo S60? That answer seems contingent upon who you ask. Rerev, a car buying advice website, listed the 2001, 2004, and 2006 Volvo S60 model years as some of the worst examples to buy used. This was due to a number of potential issues they could run into. First: The outlet said that these Volvos run into airbag problems—though the outlet did clarify that this is primarily an issue for second-generation S60s. Moreover, the outlet referenced steering issues that are sometimes associated with these vehicles. In addition to airbag concerns, reports that early Volvo S60 cars had recalls for steering linkages. Purportedly, control arms on these model cars needed to be fixed by the manufacturer for proper handling. If left unaddressed, some drivers reportedly lost complete control of their Volvo S60 while on the road. That doesn't exactly bode well for any commuter, let alone a teen who is newly getting behind the wheel. Used Volvos: Common Problems Consumer Reports also says the first-generation Volvo S60 was slapped with two other recalls. One for the car's hydraulic brakes system, which can experience a loss of fluid. Obviously, that's a safety concern. Additionally, the Independent Auto Assessment Group (IADA), a network of vehicle appraiser specialists, wrote that equipment was mislabeled on the 2006 Volvo S60. It appears this pertains to the tire PSI numbers printed on the driver-side door jamb sticker. Inflating the wrong air values could ultimately 'result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash,' according to the recall notice. also writes that Volvo S60 vehicles from various model years experience 'various transmission issues.' The outlet highlighted that 2001-2009 S60s, along with 2014 iterations, may be prone to shifting problems. Furthermore, these same cars will have rough shifts between first and second gear. Consequently, this makes driving in stop-and-go traffic "bothersome.' RepairPal, a repair estimate site, recommends installing the latest Volvo software module when servicing transmissions on these model years. Strut mount failure, along with premature headlamp burnout are other common issues associated with these cars. Volvo Devotees Many drivers have also decried Volvos at-large for having air conditioning issues. Additionally, engine overheating and infotainment glitches can make navigating apps a pain for some drivers. Despite these criticisms, there are others who've applauded the Swedish car brand's offerings. RepairPal, for instance, slapped the first-generation S60 with a 3.5 out of 5 repairability rating. According to the website, this is an above-average score when compared to other vehicles in the same class. More recent offerings have also received favorable marks. MotorTrend tested a 2020 Volvo S60 for 20,000 miles and it ruled the car as a trustworthy ride, as Majkic lauded in the viral TikTok. Buying a Used Volvo Before making any used car purchase, Volvo S60 or not, buyers should make several considerations. First: Ensuring a car hasn't been in any major accidents is crucial. This helps to rule out any frame damage on the vehicle, which could affect performance and safety. This mitigates the possibility of other components prematurely wearing out, too. Second, finding a vehicle that's been promptly maintained is a good rule of thumb. Locating cars with service records can help with that. It helps to buy a car that hasn't been bought and sold too many times. Ideally, finding one that belonged to its original owner would be best. If you can tick all of these aforementioned boxes, then a used car without an egregious mileage count can be a great buy. However, like any used car, you should always set aside money for additional expenditures. Transmission flushes, oil changes, and part swaps will be necessary. Not to mention a set of tires, if the tread on the used car you're buying is looking thin. So factor that cost when making a decision. And it should be mentioned that Volvo parts come at a premium. Mechanic Base, a forum for car repairs, reminds drivers that Volvos are luxury vehicles that come outfitted with expensive parts. Since they're manufactured in Sweden, importing these components can cost more than U.S.-made cars. Or commuter brands that typically retail for less than Volvo's lineup. Commenters React One user who replied to Majkic's video agreed that the Swedish brand is often overlooked. 'Volvos are too slept on, it's crazy,' they penned. And when it comes to the TikToker's commentary about it being a great car for teens, they have a point. Young drivers are more prone to speeding, which makes this car's reputation for high safety ratings more appealing for folks buying a first car for their kids. And like Majkic says in another clip, while his Volvo won't be winning street drag races against a BMW 330i, it could 'ram' the car off the road and survive. Someone else who responded to his video wrote that they, too, were fans of the Volvo S60's cabin. 'I like old interiors, none of the silly cameras and driver assist,' they commented. Which was a sentiment echoed by another writer who said they preferred the old Volvo inside to newer models. 'Love the old Volvo interiors, tried a new EX90 today, lovely seats, the rest was just a soulless interior with an iPad glued to the dashboard.' One TikTok user wrote, 'I had an S60 years ago, the most comfortable car I've ever owned.' There were some folks, however, who said that the car could do better on gas mileage. But RepairPal projects that owners will spend around $750 per year in maintenance costs. We've reached out to Volvo and @majkic06 for comment. More on Volvo Volvo's Smart New Seatbelt Adapts to Your Body The Volvo XC70 Is Coming Back Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . 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Engadget
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Volvo expands its Google partnership to bring new features like Gemini to cars sooner
Following the announcement that Gemini is coming to cars, Volvo is using I/O 2025 to announce a new expanded partnership with Google. The companies' new deal makes Volvo's cars reference hardware for future Android Automotive OS development, and means Volvo drivers will be "among the first to benefit" when Gemini fully replaces Google Assistant in cars. Volvo describes itself as Google's "lead development partner for new features and updates," making the company's cars the first to receive new updates to the Android Automotive OS. Google offers Android Auto as its CarPlay-like solution for beaming a software interface from your phone to in-car displays, but its Automotive OS is more complete, running on your vehicle locally and connected to car controls for A/C and more. You can already experience Android Automotive OS in Volvo's EX90, for example. Google's current vision for Android in cars is, perhaps unsurprisingly, focused on getting drivers to talk to Gemini. In a car with the assistant, you'll be able to ask Gemini to send a message, pull up directions, or answer the more open-ended, natural language questions that Gemini Live is designed to handle. If it works as advertised, it seems better than pecking at a screen, and Volvo notes it could "help reduce your cognitive load so that you can stay focused on driving." There's no release date for when you can expect Gemini to show up as your driving copilot, but at the very least this new partnership means it'll be in Volvos first.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Katie Price shows off brand new £40k car for Harvey – after he's unable to fit in hers
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KATIE Price has shown off her brand new £40k car for Harvey, after he was unable to fit in hers. Harvey, 22, lives with Prader-Willi syndrome - a rare genetic condition which means he is always hungry - and currently weighs 28 stone. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Katie Price has shown off her brand new £40k car for Harvey, after he was unable to fit in hers 4 It's a Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid Plus Black Edition Credit: Snapchat / katie-pricey 4 The star needed the car to have plenty of room for Harvey Credit: Snapchat / katie-pricey And back in February, Katie admitted her son Harvey can't fit in her car after she revealed he will be starting weight loss jabs. She said at the time: "He's entitled to a mobility car because he doesn't fit into small cars because of his size. "Now the problem is they won't insure me as his carer because of my licence. "So that's another bridge I've got to overcome. I'm his mum and the one who will be driving him around." Now, the star has shown off his brand new set of wheels - A Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid Plus Black Edition. With the motability scheme, Katie doesn't get the car for free but Harvey's disability benefits help pay towards the lease. She guided fans around on Snapchat as she told them she was trying to find a suitable car for her eldest son. After looking at a few different Volvos, the star said to fans: 'Want to see what car I've chosen for Harv?' She then reveals the Volvo in black and said: 'He's getting exactly this on a mobility scheme. Katie Price reveals harrowing ordeal with abusive ex who cut up her clothes 'This is the car, it's so nice, all black and you can fit a wheelchair in the back.' Katie also revealed that the seatbelts in the back would be big enough to go around him, and told fans of the importance of having that feature. The former glamour model explained that Harvey will move to his new house in August, and his new car will arrive that same month. In another car related update for Katie's kids, her daughter Princess just revealed that she'd passed her driving test. The excited teenager proudly her driving certificate while sitting in the car and beaming from ear to ear. Princess told her fans: 'I passed…🤭,' and she looked very proud of herself while donning a glam makeup look and blue top. Fans were delighted for the daughter of Katie and Peter Andre, and shared their messages of congratulations in the comments. One person penned: 'Brilliant! Well done,' and another said: 'Congratulations princess safe driving now.' Someone else added: 'Congrats I'm sure your dad will get you a decent car.' And Princess' auntie, Sophie Price, wrote: 'Yes Pringle,' followed by a string of hands in the air emojis. Meanwhile, Princess' mum Katie was disqualified from driving for two years in December 2021 after crashing her BMW in a drink-driving smash in Horsham. Katie was charged at Northampton Magistrates' Court for driving without insurance and without a valid driver's licence. Katie previously joked she would make her 17-year-old daughter become her chauffeur. She told us at the time of Princess passing her theory: "Princess has passed her theory, she's got to do her test now, then me and Princess in the car." "I messaged her and said I'm that close to getting you to be my driver." Katie has been banned from driving six times in the last ten years after a series of infringements.
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Katie Price shows off brand new £40k car for Harvey – after he's unable to fit in hers
KATIE Price has shown off her brand new £40k car for Harvey, after he was unable to fit in hers. Harvey, 22, lives with Advertisement 4 Katie Price has shown off her brand new £40k car for Harvey, after he was unable to fit in hers 4 It's a Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid Plus Black Edition Credit: Snapchat / katie-pricey 4 The star needed the car to have plenty of room for Harvey Credit: Snapchat / katie-pricey And back in February, Katie admitted her son Harvey can't fit in her car after she revealed he will be starting weight loss jabs. She said at the time: "He's entitled to a mobility car because he doesn't fit into small cars because of his size. "Now the problem is they won't insure me as his carer because of my licence. "So that's another bridge I've got to overcome. I'm his mum and the one who will be driving him around." Advertisement Read More on Katie Price Now, the star has shown off his brand new set of wheels - A Volvo XC40 Mild Hybrid Plus Black Edition. With the motability scheme, Katie doesn't get the car for free but Harvey's disability benefits help pay towards the lease. She guided fans around on Snapchat as she told them she was trying to find a suitable car for her eldest son. After looking at a few different Volvos, the star said to fans: 'Want to see what car I've chosen for Harv?' Advertisement Most read in Celebrity She then reveals the Volvo in black and said: 'He's getting exactly this on a mobility scheme. Katie Price reveals harrowing ordeal with abusive ex who cut up her clothes 'This is the car, it's so nice, all black and you can fit a wheelchair in the back.' Katie also revealed that the seatbelts in the back would be big enough to go around him, and told fans of the importance of having that feature. The former glamour model explained that Harvey will move to his new house in August, and his new car will arrive that same month. Advertisement In another car related update for Katie's kids, The excited teenager proudly her driving certificate while sitting in the car and beaming from ear to ear. Princess told her fans: 'I passed…🤭,' and she looked very proud of herself while donning a glam makeup look and blue top. Fans were delighted for the daughter of Katie and Peter Andre, and shared their messages of congratulations in the comments. Advertisement One person penned: 'Brilliant! Well done,' and another said: 'Congratulations princess safe driving now.' Someone else added: 'Congrats I'm sure your dad will get you a decent car.' And Princess' auntie, Sophie Price, wrote: 'Yes Pringle,' followed by a string of hands in the air emojis. Meanwhile, Princess' mum Katie was disqualified from driving for two years in December 2021 after crashing her BMW in a drink-driving smash in Horsham. Advertisement Katie was charged at Northampton Magistrates' Court Katie previously joked she would make her 17-year-old daughter become her chauffeur. She told us at the time of Princess passing her theory: "Princess has passed her theory, she's got to do her test now, then me and Princess in the car." "I messaged her and said I'm that close to getting you to be my driver." Advertisement Katie has been banned from driving six times in the last ten years after a series of infringements. 4 Katie Price's daughter Princess, 17, has celebrated passing her driving test with a snap of her license
Irish Times
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Times
Polestar opens a proper Irish dealership – is this the end of the agency model?
In Sandyford Business Park , just south of Dublin city, a white box is starting to emerge. It's appropriate for a brand keen on its environmental friendliness, built on a brownfield site, having once been a Telecom Éireann building. Now clad in bright white panels, with an acreage of plate glass, it's about to become the first proper dealership for Polestar . Yet, it wasn't supposed to happen at all. Polestar began life as an independent tuning and racing company, with a speciality in making Volvos go faster. Eventually, Polestar became part of Volvo , and was its in-house high-performance arm – sort of a Swedish AMG – which made rather lovely, rapid examples of the likes of the C30 hatchback and the V60 estate. Then, in 2017, Polestar became a brand in its own right, spun off from Volvo and funded by the giant Chinese carmaker Geely, which owns Volvo, Lotus and part of Smart. The rationale? Polestar could do what Volvo couldn't, and become a truly sporty executive brand to take BMW and Audi head-on, and while it's doing that, it could also become a fully-electric brand. READ MORE It was a bold swing, as was the business model. Polestar wouldn't go down the route of normal franchised dealerships, but instead it would follow Tesla's lead and sell its cars directly, mostly online, with its only physical, customer-facing manifestation being 'spaces' such as pop-up stores in swanky shopping malls, or funky, trendy locations such as the cleverly repurposed shipping containers that house Polestar's current space in Ireland; a single-car display area, just adjacent to where its new Sandyford home is being built. Polestar became, because of this, one of the poster boys for the 'agency model' of car sales. What's the agency model? We've covered this in much greater detail before, but the quick recap is that car makers fancy having more control of the car sales chain. So, instead of selling their cars wholesale to independent, franchised dealers, sales will take place mostly online and the dealers will become agents for that sale, paid a flat fee for their efforts. In theory, it allows car makers to smooth the kinks out of the journey from factory to customer, and this could potentially lead to a thicker profit margin. It doesn't seem to be working. Brands across Europe and the world are starting to retreat from the agency model, and Polestar – the once and future poster boy – is one of them. Well, up to a point anyway. For Polestar, this doesn't mean the agency model is dead. We have several business models in operation — Scott Dicken, Polestar's commercial director for Europe As the Sandyford dealership starts to come together, Polestar has announced a new deal with OHM Group, which 'strengthens the collaboration with OHM Group to assume Polestar's sales and distribution operations in Ireland from 15 April 2025'. OHM Group is a long-standing independent Irish car importer and distributor, which in the past has handled the likes of Saab, Daihatsu and Seat, and for much of the last two decades has been the distributor for Jaguar and Land Rover in Ireland. The Polestar dealership (Polestar still insists upon calling it a 'space') will be run and managed by Spirit Motor Group, a part of OHM Group, which runs dealerships with franchises for Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo, Ford and others. The new showroom will have space for seven cars – starting out with Polestar's existing three-car EV line-up of Polestar 2 saloon, Polestar 3 large SUV and Polestar 4 sleek crossover. Those will be joined later this year by a hugely powerful, long-range EV saloon called the Polestar 5 (which will rival the likes of the Porsche Taycan) and it will be followed by Polestar's first two-seat sports car, the Polestar 6. Gerard O'Farrell, managing director of OHM Group's car division, said: 'We see a bright future for this distinctive, premium brand in Ireland and are delighted to play a key role in its continued development at a pivotal stage in Ireland's transition to electric vehicles.' But what about the agency model? Dead? Not quite... When he took over the reins as chief executive, from the outgoing Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar's new boss Michael Lohscheller – formerly of Opel – decided that what the brand needed was not to be didactic about how it sells its cars. In a review of the company's operations, published late last year, Lohscheller said: 'A lot of things need to change, starting with sales and distribution. I call it from showing to active selling. The company has done a good job setting up the direct-to-consumer baseline, now the key task is making sure that the active selling through retail partners is improving.' Polestar is retreating, but not entirely withdrawing, from direct-to-consumer sales. Photograph:In other words, push on both buttons at once, something confirmed for The Irish Times by Polestar's commercial director for Europe, Scott Dicken. 'For Polestar, this doesn't mean the agency model is dead. We have several business models in operation across all our markets. Each model is adapted to suit the market dynamics and size. 'For Ireland, it makes sense to work more closely with retail partners like Spirit Motor Group. They help us optimise the value chain and customer experience in Ireland,' he said. 'The online element of our sales model remains core to our business in our markets. However, we do see that our customers appreciate a physical retail presence that allows them to see and experience our products. In addition, they can enjoy the human interaction and support during their purchase journey on-site.' So Polestar is retreating, but not entirely withdrawing, from direct-to-consumer sales. What about the rest of the car industry? Well, it's a mixed bag... BMW has made a start on this, moving its Mini sales to the agency model, but it now seems as if the move for the bigger brand will be delayed until well into 2026. Stellantis Group, which includes Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, Fiat, Jeep and more, has long been wary of the agency model, something exacerbated by a disastrous experiment with the idea in Belgium and there's no sign of it coming for those brands in Ireland. [ Car review: The Polestar 4 is simply stellar when it comes to comfort Opens in new window ] Volkswagen Group is dabbling, but while it's pressing ahead with an agency model for Ireland, in other major markets it has been shelved. Marco Schubert, a member of VW's executive committee, said: 'The full agency with direct sales to customers clearly remains our guiding star in the long term. However, given changing framework conditions, we have to re-evaluate if our current agency model for all-electric vehicles delivers the best possible customer experience.' As for Irish VW customers, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Group Ireland told The Irish Times: 'Volkswagen Group Ireland remains fully committed to its future sales strategy, ensuring we continue to deliver increased value, convenience and satisfaction to both our customers and our retail partners now and into the future.'
