Potential owner seeks advice - does size matter?

ace_basement · Post by **ace_basement** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:23 pm

Hello all,

We're in the market for a car and we've both fallen for the charms of the 480. Very keen to buy one ASAP, but the deal-breaker is the size of the load space.

Occasionally we'll need to move music equipment such as amps and the like, and one of our criteria is that the new car must be big enough for this with the seats folded down.

Had a look round the site and can't find any dimensions of the load space - can anyone give a link to where I can find them or even measure themselves? Doesn't need to be millimetre accurate or anything...

Am diligently studying here for tips on what to look out for, good points and bad points etc. Very excited about getting one, hope I can see the wood for the trees and make a rational decision. What are the reasons not to get a 480?

Oh, and if anyone's selling one near North London, do give us a shout!

cheers

Gareth

clubman_dan · Post by **clubman_dan** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:30 pm

welcome to the forum!
i can't give you any measurements, but i can say that the load space is surprisingly large with the seats down. However the tailgate opening is not that big and the level of the opening is quite high making it a bit of a pain to lift things over and in to the boot.
hopefully someone will be able to get the measurements for you.
Dan

Roo · Post by **Roo** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:34 pm

Hi, welcome to the forum and club. You should find were a friendly and helpful bunch!
I'm sure there are a 480 owners on here that play in bands so would be able to answer your question more accurately. The 480 is quite versatile given its appearence, will the rear seats folded down you can get quite a load area.
Owning a 480 will change your life, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse

but for those times theres usually someone on the forum who can lend advice or even a hand.
There are some faults with the 480 the most common being leaks, faded clusters and rust namely the rear arches. Leaks can be fixed easily enough and if you have the cash faded clusters can be replaced but the rust can be more in-depth.
I have noticed that the early cars tend to be more resiliant to rust with the later models rusting in more places and over larger areas. Just ask danthe480man and me about our rear arches

The answer to the more common problems can usually be found using the search facility. Its always worth using this before you post for help.

Andrew

Richmann1 · Post by **Richmann1** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:35 pm

As Dan said the load space is quite big with the seats down i managed to get a full size dishwasher in the back of mine.

Richard

Murf · Post by **Murf** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:40 pm

You also dont have to use the rear hatch to load stuff, you can put things in the back through the front doors, i moved house using a 480!

pol · Post by **pol** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:42 pm

Not sure, but in the Turbo you can move stuff around quicker. Which is much more important!

pol

owen080808 · Post by **owen080808** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:49 pm

yep, i managed to get a washing machine in mine

just didn't clear the hatch but went in through the side door!

i've also managed a guitar, full drum kit, 4 bags of ice, Â£100 of beer me and a passenger in one go - yes a good party was had! I often take me, a mate and a couple of bikes. the load space really is quite good, but as mentioned the hatch can be a restricting factor.

donpaulo · Post by **donpaulo** » Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:09 pm

I've had 2 4 x 12 cabinets in the back of mine with room for other stuff. It will take a bass guitar in a soft case width ways too. just do it, whats the worst that can happen?

VanDerGraaf · Post by **VanDerGraaf** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 8:49 pm

Hi there! I am the only one in my band who can drive (pathetic) so I know how much the 480 can carry!

For our rehersals once a week I can manage 2 keyboards (one a 76-note extended), Bass in case, big holdall full of leads/fx/drugs/etc, snare drum in hard case, cymbal bag, and two non-driving parasites! I think I could take another instrument or two if I had to.

My Turbo is lowered already but on those days its at its most pimped!

It is a deceptively spacious car. Go on, just get one!

Rohan

ace_basement · Post by **ace_basement** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 9:52 pm

Well, Roo was right. Certainly a friendly and helpful bunch!

Thanks for all your replies. You've convinced us, and we're really excited at the prospect. So now we start looking...

catgroom · Post by **catgroom** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:01 pm

Hi guys!

Well,Id say as big as an estate of Mondeo size without the Ford's seats folded down.

I was extremely impressed!Just watch your head lining,if you would care about that!

Steve

DaKyy · Post by **DaKyy** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 7:29 am

I can just compare it with my Peugeot 406 Sedan, Volvo beats it hands down with cargo space

I've also moved almost entirely with my 480, excluding my bed which was 120cm wide

JohnTurbo · Post by **JohnTurbo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:17 am

I had a Xantia. YOu could fit a guitar flat down in the boot of that, it was vast. My ibiza I had before my first 480 had a bigger boot as well.

With the rear seats forward its not bad, but its not what i'd call a spacious car for load space.
I have had amps and such in, its no problem so long as theres only 2 people riding.

Joolz · Post by **Joolz** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:27 am

Iv'e had the London Philharmonic in the back of mine!!

480_rocket · Post by **480_rocket** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:00 am

The centre console between the two back seats is a bit annoying as it sits up higher than the two back seats when they're placed flat. It's not as big as a Ford Focus boot, I know that.

JohnTurbo · Post by **JohnTurbo** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:17 am

Joolz wrote:Iv'e had the London Philharmonic in the back of mine!!

Bet that was a long night. oooh er!

robkendall · Post by **robkendall** » Thu Mar 01, 2007 3:41 pm

Joolz wrote:Iv'e had the London Philharmonic in the back of mine!!

man....first post after an extended break....and this is the first post i read, and want to....no must resist...
hiya joolz......not much changed then??

xxx
rob

ps....allo everybody *waves*

Matthew Brennan · Post by **Matthew Brennan** » Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:28 pm

Getting a roof rack for one of theese of a tailgate cycle carrier is difficult and expensive

Volvo 480 Club Europe

Potential owner seeks advice - does size matter?

Potential owner seeks advice - does size matter?

Load space

thanks

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