$3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

[kuddy]

I'm debating the process of purchasing a stingray 200cs with a merc 4.3 or a volvo 4.3....theres approximately $3000 price difference in favor of the merc. assuming the reviews (customer satisfaction) and awards according to JD Power, i like the idea of the merc. By comparison, my findings regarding the volvo is not as worthy as the merc but it does offer an extended warranty ( 6 combined yrs )on major engine components. My question is should i opt for the merc because of projected reliability or the volvo that seemingly does not compare to the merc.

 

[kuddy]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

BTW.... new member here! greetings to all!

 

[beezee28]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

welcome to iboats kuddy.

 

[JB]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

Hi, Kuddy.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />I suggest that you tour the site and see what we have.<br /><br />Your post seems to me to be about engine selection for a new boat. That doesn't seem to fit the purpose of this forum so I will move it to the Boat Topics forum.

 

[Bondo]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

Hi Kuddy,.....<br /><br />While I'm personally a fan of the Black Anchors,....<br /><br />I would think that Which manufacturer has a Service Center,.. Nearest to your home port, would be 1 thing to add to your equation......<br /><br />After All,..... A warranty is Worthless without Service Available........

 

[tommays]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

i am supprised buy the price difference there usally allmost the same price when you look at the FEW builders that offer both drive packages on the same boat ?<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

$3000.00 difference? I can't see how or why. Unless that's what the 6 year warranty costs you on the Volvo? <br /><br />I'd go with the less expensive one, Merc. (Your main concern will be avoiding rocks which have no warranty coverage. Damage on any of these I/O drives can cost you $1000.00's with a good hit.)<br /><br />As far as quality is concerned, they are both fine drives.

 

[KCook]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

I agree with the other guys. The $3k difference makes no sense whatever. Unless the dealer is forcing you into an expensive 6yr 3rd party warranty on the Volvo? Try a different dealer. <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

I dont see a reason for the price difference either. Your dealer may be trying to force the mercruiser package on you. The Volvo Extended Warranty is a factory extended warranty.

 

[watered down]

Re: $3000 question.......Merc vs volvo

Originally posted by kuddy:<br /> By comparison, my findings regarding the volvo is not as worthy as the merc but it does offer an extended warranty ( 6 combined yrs )on major engine components. My question is should i opt for the merc because of projected reliability or the volvo that seemingly does not compare to the merc.

Not sure where you're getting your information but there is nothing out there that states the volvo can't compare to the merc. I have not seen any reliability issues with volvo...or merc for that matter. The volvo seems to have some easier maintenance on the impeller replacementdue to its location. Also, the cone clutch on the volvo is suppose to be a little smoother and quieter than the merc.<br /><br />Other than that, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference. The merc has been around a lot longer and has proven reliable. It used to be that it was easier to get parts. Don't think that is true anymore either. Dealers out here service both. The volvo is considered just as reliable. <br /><br />As for price, there is no way a dealer can justify a $3000 difference in the two drives unless the volve is duo prop and the merc is an alpha. In fact, when researching my boat last fall I noticed volvo a few hundred $$ less than a merc. <br /><br />Check out the Stingray Boats website and price it out. I show base price of a 200cs 4.3 MPI: merc $28,050...volvo $27,534. The 4.3 carb: merc $26,057...volvo $25,664 <br /><br />Also, as stated above, vovlo comes with standard 2 yr service plan> Thus, if the dealer says the volvo comes with a 6 yr plan he is probably charging you for the Volvo 2+4 extend service plan...AND CHARGING YOU WAY TOO MUCH FOR IT. My dealer offered it for $1200 and you can get it directly from volvo for even cheaper. <br /><br />There is something that doesn't add up with what you're being told by the dealer. Look closer at what you're getting with the two boats or go elsewhere.