I finally got a 04 xc70

[GeorgeXC70]

I grew up in Edmonton, Alberta and ever since high school I have always loved station wagons. My freinds thought that I was crazy when I would freak out over a Celebrity station wagon. But I especialy loved the old Volvo 240 station wagon which looked so sleek from the side and squat from the back or front.

Well last week I finally accomplished a life long dream ... by getting a MY2k4 XC70 with xenia wheels, touring, premiun and xenon on OSD sometime in mid July! I had already put a deposit on one of the last OSD of a XC90 (a couple in Arizona cancelled) but they couldnt deliver it in time for when I gave back my current leased car. I think it was fate warning me that I had gone over to the dark side (SUVs). Plus I kept reading about all the wierd transmission issues on this web site (thanks a lot) plus the fact its a brand new car.

I was also thinking of waiting for the VW Touareg but then drove the 04 XC70 on the higway in Chicago rush hour traffic. I thought it handled great (and that's coming with someone whose current car is a TT quattro).

My only remaining decision is if should I go with the new silvery mint green or the tried and true silver? I had orignally chosen the car in black with brown leather but decided against it since black is impossible to keep clean. I just wish the xc70 came in the titanium gray http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

I'll probably be keeping this car for atleast 7 - 10 years easily.
Any comments on the pro/cons of each color? anybody else have any thoughts on the new green?

[barrysharp]

George:

A BIG welcome to you http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

What a wonderful decision you've made http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I think that once a person is down to deciding on exterior/interior colour choices the deal is sealed, right?

Can your significant other help you with this maybe?

I'm not a big fan of Silver these days and leave that colour choice to other to discuss etc.

I'm assuming you're refering to the Crystal Green metalic colour. If so may I suggest a darkish colour such as

1. All Graphite leather interior with a lightish roof liner to add some extra reflective light.
or
2. Brown leather interior -- although this might clash with the darkgish graphite colour of the instrument pod and center console areas. Also, with Brown the steering wheel rim will be brown and the hub grey/graphite -- not sure how this would look.

Anyhows, enjoy the OSD program. I have just completed mine and should be getting my car next week from dealership. It's been a great experience and I'm happy to be this close to having my car.

Good luck.

[peter24a]

Hi George:

You note that you particularly liked the Titanium Grey Metalic.  Me too.  In my climate the higher ride of the xc70 was not necessary for me so I opted for a v70 AWD which by the way comes in Titanium Grey Metallic and has beautiful 17" "thor" wheels (with the sport package). It looks very nice too with the taupe interior. Other than the ride height and the lack of roof rails (which I ordered at extra cost) the car is nearly identical to an xc.  Mechanically, I understand that it is identical (Barry am I right?).   If you are really stuck on the grey then an AWD might be the way to go.  In the end though, there is no bad color for any of these cars.  They have beautiful lines, a few curves, and that readilly identifiable rear end.  


Peter

[ChuckK]

George:

I'm buying the crystal green with graphite interior. At first I thought the crystal green was too close to silver, but I really like it now. The silver comes with blue molding and the crystal green comes with black (I think they call them slate and umber), and I think the molding is a better color match on the crystal green. In my experience, silver is one of the easiest colors to keep looking clean, so I expect the crystal green will be similar. An advantage of the crystal green is that it makes the car look distinctive from all the silver cars on the road.

As for the graphite interior, I like the fact that the dash is all one color and on my test drives I have noticed that the graphite dash does not reflect into the windshield as much as the ligher dash colors. (I noticed on a Passat wagon that VW uses a black dash even with a tan interior, and it may be for that reason.) I generally have bought light interiors in the past thinking they would be cooler, but I sat in XC70s on the lot with both light and dark interior colors and didn't notice much difference. I think that with today's window tinting, there isn't much sunlight that gets in and then gets reflected out again. However, a lighter exterior roof color will make the car somewhat cooler inside according to a study done by Ford. That's another advantage of the crystal green, although white would be best from that standpoint. (White also has better visibility to other drivers, but it shows dirt easily.) Hope this helps.

[budrichard]

Both my XC's are silver/graphite, nuff said! -Dick

[mrb]

Both of your color choices are excellent--when I ordered my car for july 1--it was down to 2 choices and that is where my wife was put in charge(I can't even pick out the right tie for going out).  Peter mentions window tint which brings up the point of getting the touring pkg with laminted windows ( a darker tint) and quieting down road noise.  Welcome to our forum and to getting the car of your dreams---As Barry says and has said many times OSD is great and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif  merv

[XCLloyd]

Welcome George!

I too am from Edmonton and just picked up my 04 in Silver with graphite interior two weeks ago. Had nothing but compliments so far. Did not like the mint green and have a black Durango that I wash, and wash and wash.

Have a look for your self.

http://www.xc70.com/pics/albums/userpics/thumb_IMG_9869.jpg

[GeorgeXC70]

Hi Lyod,
Your car looks great! I lived in Edmonton for over 20 years. Let me guess you got that from Webber Motors. I agree with you I am not a big green fan .. unless its british racing green and on a Jag.

Nice to hear from a fellow Edmonite (Don King-ism). Where was this pic taken? My brother and Mom still live there. I heard you guys had snow there yesterday ... just a typical spring day in Edmonton.... Ah I miss the Caribou and the Igloos not to mention the cheap seal meat.... okay I was just kidding to freak out all the US members... I got such weird question about Canada.

I gotta pick a color soon in a week or so.

Thanks for the pic again.

[ChuckK]

You mean there aren't caribou in the streets of Canadian cities? The next thing you'll be telling me is that there aren't any kangaroos in Sidney.

British racing green is my all-time favorite color, but I've never been able to buy a car in that color. I saw a close facsimile in a new Toyota Highlander the other day, a vehicle I considered as a lower-cost alternative to the XC70. The crystal green is a very subtle shade of green. In fact, at night it looks like plain silver. I presume you've seen it up close, but if you haven't I recommend you check it out at a dealer. Of course, you can't go wrong with silver.

[XCLloyd]

Hi George!

The picture was taken in my driveway.  We had a few flurries yesterday, but nothing that stayed.  I still photographed a wedding outside yesterday.  My last Volvo was a British Green and looked very smart, just showed all the dirt.

Webber Motors has not been selling Volvos now for about three years.  Anglo Canadian is the sole Northern Alberta Dealer.  Two Jags and the third Volvo from them.

Thanks,

XCLloyd

[Piccolo]

I have ordered my 04 XC with McMillian and Sauders in the west end of Toronto, it will be here in mid June. Silver with taupe interior. Silver is very easy to clean and taupe will make the kids happy on those booster seats.

It will come with sports, premium and touring packages. Just wondering, how dark is the tint on those laminated windows ? I assume the laminated windows are all around including the back window. Well the wind shield is laminated anyways.

I am currrently driving a 2000 XC and it feels not as comfy compare to my other car the 03 Camry.

According to the dealer, Silver with taupe is not very common. However, the dealer told me there is no silver green for Canada in 04 as well else I would have got it instead.

- Piccolo

[Willy]

Hello George,
In my experience, a dark colored car heats up much faster (inside) than a light one. So if you want to leave a pet in the car this may make a real difference. Just a thought.
Greetings,
Willy

[GeorgeXC70]

I agree with the comments above on light vs dark interior in terms of heat and looks.... but my wife last car had a biege (taupe) interior and when we truned it in it looked so worn on the edges of the seat.  Also my current car has a black interior all I have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth and vacum the carpets once in a while.

Plus there's the whole reflection thing .. mentioned above .. whcih I noticed in my wifes car.... so I am thinking dark for ease of keeping it clean and also for not dealign with glare.

[GeorgeXC70]

More changes to my OSD MY04XC ... I added the rear wing and changed the color to Silver.

My salesman loves me. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif  Whats really funny is yesterday I found out the new V70 2.5T Titanium edition will be available on OSD. Luckily for my salesman my wife thinks it look too much like a old style looking station wagon. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif But thats probably why I got the wing ... now I just have to get those 17" Sentinel wheels for summer time and I am set.


So I got everything but the versatility pkg (3rd seating) and the upgrade 1200 http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

Now I am sure I am going to have to hear how cool the new green is and how everybody has silver right now..... just remember you're just torturing my salesman indirectly http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[peter24a]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (GeorgeXC70 @ May 20 2003,14:03)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">...just remember you&#39;re just torturing my salesman indirectly http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
LOL http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif In my opnion car salesman need to be tortured once in a while. &nbsp;George, just let us know what we can do. &nbsp;By the way, I saw that green color the other day, and I think you just have to get it&#33; http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/alien.gif


Peter

[kayaking]

Anyone have any viable solutions for the &quot;glare thing&quot;...besides ordering a darker interior&#33; Haven&#39;t experienced it, but I hope it is not too bad a thing...as I have obviously purchased the taupe interior.

[GeorgeXC70]

I am locked in on my OSD XC70&#33;

I decided to go with the Silver/graphite interior. &nbsp;That was a hard choice... damn Volvo for making such good colors&#33;

I also got the Xenia wheels, Premium pkg, Touring pkg, DSTC, Xenon and the wing&#33;

I spoke with my sales guy and he will change the setting on
the mirror to the maximum, when it gets here.

So we&#39;re all set for a mid-July trip&#33;

[GeorgeXC70]

I just want to say a special thanks to every body for their comments and input. &nbsp;Especially Barry and Lloyd ( your silver XC made me change colors) &nbsp;

George

[xcrubygal]

George
your keeping the TT too aren&#39;t you http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
we have one of those too, must be we both have good taste in cars http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
red is our color though &#33; Amulet TT, Ruby XC
hope I don&#39;t regret the beige seats http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/exclamation.gif
have fun OSDing too, can&#39;t wait for June 23rd
cheers
Ruby

[GeorgeXC70]

Nah, its going back. The bank was taking out only half the amount of money they should have been for the lease-to-own on the car. &nbsp;I was planning on keeping it (forever &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif &nbsp;) &nbsp;but they want the extra money even though the mistake was all theirs&#33; &nbsp;

So I said forget it and we&#39;re returning it..plus we&#39;re palnning on havin kids soon so we&#39;ll need the space plus I bike a lot and I hated having to squeeze my bike in the the back of the TTQ ( silver).

Even after driving the TT for 3 years I was impressed with the XC70.

I think in about 5 years I will get the V6 TT with DSG transmission and shifter paddles ( although my wife wants me to get a Porsche &nbsp;http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif &nbsp;)

[wiz]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kayaking @ May 20 2003,19:24)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Anyone have any viable solutions for the &quot;glare thing&quot;...besides ordering a darker interior&#33;[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Polarized sunglasses.

[barrysharp]

George:

That&#39;s great and have a good trip to the FDC. I have to say that I saw the Crystal Green the other day on an XC70 and quite honestly must say it looks kinda washed out and it borders on looking a strange dull silver color -- I really wasn&#39;t too fond of its looks. Now this may have been because it was overcast and somewhat of a grey day. Under sunlight it could be a different case. Overall I was disappointed with the Crystal Green as it didn&#39;t seem to have any personality -- just my opinion.

Good luck.

[GeorgeXC70]

Barry, &nbsp;I think the paint they use is very cool, since almost all the colors seem to look different depending on the surroundings the car is in. &nbsp;I saw the crystal green at the car lot and from ceratin angles it looked almost like the silver and from others it looked light green.

Oh well. Its a moot point for me now. &nbsp;It is a distinctive color among the volvos and even among other cars.

[ChuckK]

I got the crystal green and find that it looks completely different in differing light conditions. At night, it looks like it&#39;s silver. In the shade on a sunny day it&#39;s a very attractive light green. In direct sunlight on a very sunny day, it&#39;s hard to see the green. On a very overcast day, it has a pewter look. I always buy cars for function, not looks, (the first car I bought myself was a 1970 BMW 2002, which is as boxy as you can get). But I think the recent model XC70s are very good-looking wagons, and I really like the fact that the crystal green seems to have so many different looks depending on light conditions. I also like the fact that it is less common than the silver and doesn&#39;t have blue trim. Having said all that, it would be hard to find something more subjective (and less important) than the choice of color in a car.

[Willy]

Hello George,
When I mentioned color, I wasn&#39;t thinking as much of the interior but mostly about the exterior color. Sorry for the confusion, I didn&#39;t explain well.
Willy

[TerrierCyn]

We bought the V70 off the lot with Ash-gold exterior and tan interior. The ash-gold also does not show dirt (there ARE limits, of course), and the light interior is good -- except for the dash, where the the reflections on the windshield were terrible&#33; Solution: purchased a dark dash cover from IPD. Makes a world of difference&#33; One wonders why Volvo would even SELL a car with a dash that had so much reflection.