Thinking of getting a Volvo S40. Your thoughts? (muscle car, vehicles, 2010)
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I have an early model 2004 S40 and love it, so here goes my opinion for you.
The only cars I'd consider trading up to would be an S60/V70R, which are the ultimate Volvos in my opinion. I think you'll find the Volvo infinately more reliable over the bimmer, having owned a few myself. The bimmer'll be faster, more sporty, and have some more snob appeal, but the Volvo can be every bit as luxurious if properly equipped, and the seats, as you mentioned, are just about the best. I also like Volvo's commitment to more conservative looks, when cars are getting more blingy and Bangle-y by the minute. I don't travel long distances in my BMW's exactly for the seat reasons.
I drove a Sonata once and didn't really like it, but European handling is what I like, and even though the S40's not a sports sedan, it still behaves with the tightness and resopnsiveness that is characteristic of European cars. I'd also say that the handling, quality, and fit/finish have nothing in common with the Focus whatsoever. One is completely entry level, and the other approaching the low-end luxury line... the early 2004 body style was designed pre Ford Merger.
The car's actually made me a Volvo enthusiast, and before I'm labelled a "Volvo only, everything else sucks" person, I'll qualify by saying that I was pretty indifferent to the brand before I bought it... now, although I like other makes also and have them in my garage too, I'll probably continue to buy Volvos from now on for my main driver.
Its a nice size car with good fuel mileage. For $17,000-20,000 or so you can get a brand new 2008 sonata with 10 year 100,000 warranty. If you willing to spend less, get a 2006-7 model for about $10,000-14,000. It had lots of safety features and handles decent for its size.
It may not be a good sport car or fancy but in terms of value, reliability its a great car.
Also look into a used 2005-7 Ford 500 or 2005-7 Mercury Montego, those are great cars in terms of value.
If the seat comfort is your issue why don't you buy a dependable,fuel efficient,non-depreciating vehicle and have a car upholstry shop custom fit the drivers seat to your comfort.You're talking about 350.00 for cost .
What is a non-depreciating vehicle? I thought they all depreciated.
Its a nice size car with good fuel mileage. For $17,000-20,000 or so you can get a brand new 2008 sonata with 10 year 100,000 warranty. If you willing to spend less, get a 2006-7 model for about $10,000-14,000. It had lots of safety features and handles decent for its size.
It may not be a good sport car or fancy but in terms of value, reliability its a great car.
Also look into a used 2005-7 Ford 500 or 2005-7 Mercury Montego, those are great cars in terms of value.
I will look at the Hyundai next.
I really a bmw 325i but it's an expensive vehicle to maintain.
You're right Greenie,I should have said a slower depreciating car.While your concern for seat comfort was mentioned originally,I don't think that will matter unless your mechanic lets you sit in the car while it's constantly in the shop,under warranty or not.Buy a good car then fix the seat.Don't do it $SS backwards.
We have a 2007 S40 "in the family" - While it has not been on a cross country trip (longest trip was 350 miles one way), we have found it comfortable and performs well. Fastest car on the road? No. But, it easily keeps up with the crowd.
Greenie - Just curious what cars you've ever found that had comfortable seats for you? And were they cloth or leather? Plus on a cross country road trip, even the most comfortable seats will become tiring on your back.
I think that the seats in old Saabs were very comfortable.
Greenie: Aren't you moving to Boston soon?? You'll find there aren't too many BMWs here because they're RWD. That's a no-no during our snowy winter season unless you have another primary car and this is going to be your fun weekend summer car. If you don't feel safe driving in snow, you may even want to consider an AWD. Most people will find any FWD is just fine just as long as you buy a set of snow tires for the winter.
BTW, my wife's S40 had almost zero traction in the snow last year, so we are going to buy a set of snow tires for her in about 3 weeks.
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