Keep a 2002 or get a 2006?

[dan]

Hi everyone,

My 02 is coming off lease (in March), currently has 41000 miles. Interested in hearing pros/cons of doing either. So far car has been excellent. Has new Nokians that I will trade for the Pirellis on the new one if I get it, close to perfect condition. Heavily loaded option wise. Anyone have an 02, 03 with lots of mileage - what have your experiences been. I live in Colo and have been driving 750 to 1000 miles a month.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

[starfish]

Even though you may have maintained this car to be one of the finest examples of the model on the road today, purchasing it after your lease ends might be a financial disaster. You need to find out what the residual value and purchase option fees in your lease agreement are and realize that you will be paying that plus the sales tax, license, title and doc fees all over again. If you have the financial wherewithal the 2006 maybe a better option.

[littlewaywelt]

Hi everyone,

My 02 is coming off lease (in March), currently has 41000 miles. Interested in hearing pros/cons of doing either. So far car has been excellent. Has new Nokians that I will trade for the Pirellis on the new one if I get it, close to perfect condition. Heavily loaded option wise. Anyone have an 02, 03 with lots of mileage - what have your experiences been. I live in Colo and have been driving 750 to 1000 miles a month.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Lots of small improvements that add up to a better car, imo. Haldex awd vs viscous coupling would be the biggest difference. Interior is better
We had a nightmare 01 xc w/ 70k miles but the 05 is much nicer in many respects.

[Dani K.]

Surely get a 2006. No doubt about it. I think the car benefited from many invisible changes, in particular with the Haldex AWD.

[Asteroid]

If it matters to you, I saw in Motor Trend that the XC70 redesign is supposed to appear as 2009 model. You could lease a 2006 for 3 yrs to take you to the new model. [cool2]

[dan]

I did trde my 02 in on an 06 yesterday. White, Graphite. Premium, Convenience and Climate Packages, Child Seats. Kept my Nokians and they kept the new cars Pirellis.

[Dani K.]

Dan, congratulations on your choice. Make sure you post some pictures of your car. Did you notice any difference in the handling of the car?

[dan]

It is too early to tell in detail. The old ones handling increased dramatically in all respects once I switched to the new Nokian tires. These tires were switched on to the new car where they feel just as nice. I will post a picture ASAP