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Volvo S40

1807 messages,  Last post on Jul 01, 2011 at 7:51 AM

You are in the Volvo S40 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Sedan



Messages Page 152 of 182

#1506 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40 T5 AWD vs. BMW 325xi vs. VW Jetta 2.0T [dobrovod] by longhornjeff

Jul 19, 2006 (10:09 am)

Replying to: dobrovod (Jul 18, 2006 3:24 am)
With regards to maintenance costs... higher end vehicles are always rumored to cost an arm and a leg to fix any small problem. I can't comment on VW or Volvo, but I used to own a 2001 BMW 325Ci and the maintenance costs are very very minimal. I purchased the extendend warranty of 6yr/100k and never paid for anything. The only costs were oil changes that are around $100, but they only need to be done every 15,000 miles. Brake jobs can be very expensive ($1k), as every time the brakes get done you need to replace the rotors. All in all, I loved my BMW, and I was treated like royalty by the service department every time I showed up. One time I had my car detailed there, and I told him I wanted it back in "showroom condition". They gave me a free loner (as they always do), and a couple days later when I came to pick my car up, it was waiting inside the showroom!

#1507 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40 T5 AWD vs. BMW 325xi vs. VW Jetta 2.0T [dobrovod] by dobrovod

Jul 19, 2006 (12:47 pm)

Replying to: dobrovod (Jul 18, 2006 3:24 am)
We are looking to buy not lease. We've driven and priced an S40. We have priced a Jetta and have a test drive (GLI 2.0T) scheduled for Saturday. I drove a BMW 3 series (last generation) a few years ago and we are going to drive and price a new 325xi tomorrow.
 
Of the three, fully speced out, the S40 is the lowest price to buy based upon the numbers that I've been given so far. It also has more features available than the VW...notably the AWD. My last vehicle was a '95 Jetta and I loved it. VW has made notable improvements but I'm thinking for the price that the S40 might be a better deal. I'm not worried so much about depreciation since we plan to own the car for approximately 7-10 years...reliability is more important. I was impressed with my old VW (compared to the Dodge that I had previously) it was cheap to maintain, mostly just tires, brakes and oil changes.
 
A BMW without the "xi" is not an option. My aunt has a Mercedes C-Class and parks it in the winter. I don't plan to do that and still want to manuveur in the snow. My old VW does okay in the snow even with only FWD.
 
Maybe I'm being too meticulous and the final two test drives will be the deciding factor...that ruled out a Honda Civic.
 
Okay...how about this...Bi-Xenon lights or halogen with washers?
 
Would the difference between a turbocharged 4 cyclinder vs. a turbocharged 5 cyclinder vs. an inline V-6 be something that I should think about maintenance-wise and performance-wise (all getting nearly the same HP and mileage)?

#1508 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40 T5 AWD vs. BMW 325xi vs. VW Jetta 2.0T [dobrovod] by qbrozen

Jul 19, 2006 (1:24 pm)

Replying to: dobrovod (Jul 19, 2006 12:47 pm)
well, to start, just a small nit to pick, the engine can be either a V6 or inline, but not both. In this case, its an inline 6 (or I6 for short).
 
the headlights are really a preference thing. Personally, I have no problem with good halogens.
 
As far as engine, again, its preference. Some folks like an engine without forced induction. They usually are a bit more responsive off the line. But some folks prefer the kick in the pants that a turbo might give, albeit sometimes at the expense of a bit of lag off the line. By all accounts, the 2.0T in the VW doesn't exhibit typical turbo lag. In addition, its got good power across the RPM range AND delivers good mileage. Sounds like a real nice engine.
 
The 2.5T in the Volvo has been around for a while now, so its a proven engine (as is the I6 in the bimmer).
 
AWD really isn't necessary in today's world of electronic traction devices. But, with RWD, you would need a dedicated set of snow tires to feel safe in the bad weather, so that could be an issue if you don't want to have 2 sets of wheels and tires floating around.

#1509 of 1807 Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator by suspendmix

Jul 25, 2006 (4:00 am)

Just wondering if anyone has installed an IPOD or CD Changer with a 2006 Volvo S40 (or 2nd gen s40) using a hardwired FM Modulator. If so what was your experience like? Did you do it yourself? Did you have a place do it? I've found several forums where people have done it but it seems that success installation of an FM modulator to broadcast the sound to your radio (not the wireless variety) seems to be dependent on whether one has an earlier 2nd gen s40 or a later one. I've found a car stereo place in SF willing to do it and who has done it several times before but they want to charge 300. Anyone in the SF bay area know of other places that do this? If people are interested, I can post the name of the audio installer....thanks for any help!

#1510 of 1807 Re: Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator [suspendmix] by volvomax

Jul 25, 2006 (9:26 am)

Replying to: suspendmix (Jul 25, 2006 4:00 am)
Volvo offers an ipod fm transmitter for the S40. Cost is under $200.
 
A cd changer isn't worth it IMO.
First, you have to find a place for the changer, then power it, then istall the fm transmitter. An ipod transmitter is a much better idea, plus you have access to alot more songs!

#1511 of 1807 Re: Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator [volvomax] by suspendmix

Jul 25, 2006 (9:46 am)

Replying to: volvomax (Jul 25, 2006 9:26 am)
Ya, I have an FM transmitter right now and the sound is horrible...I'm in SF where there isn't a single frequency that doesn't have a station or static so FM transmitter unfortunately is not the solution for me. A wired FM modulator attaches directly to the internal antenna and gives much better sound...thanks though!

#1512 of 1807 Re: Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator [suspendmix] by suspendmix

Jul 27, 2006 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: suspendmix (Jul 25, 2006 9:46 am)
Just an update, I got the CD changer installed with the FM modulator....it was a pain or so the car installation people tell me...they had to fashion new antenna connections...but its in! The sound is awesome...near CD quality, better than FM by far, no drop outs or static....plus access to about 120 hours worth of music at my finger tips...only bad thing is the FM reception has degraded a little...notice it on a relatively low powered station that I don't pick up as well anymore...oh wells...if anyone is interest, lemme know and I'll tell ya where i did it and how much...its in SF...

#1513 of 1807 Re: Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator [suspendmix] by mrrk47

Jul 29, 2006 (7:20 pm)

Replying to: suspendmix (Jul 27, 2006 9:53 pm)
I think I'm just gonna get the volvo ipod fm transmitter so I can play my ipod in the car. Has anyone installed sirius in their S40, any advice??

#1514 of 1807 Re: Installing CD Changer or IPOD with FM Modulator [mrrk47] by suspendmix

Jul 29, 2006 (10:23 pm)

Replying to: mrrk47 (Jul 29, 2006 7:20 pm)
i think sirius would also have to be FM transmitter and i think ur in the SF bay...there aren't any free freqencies around so there will also be some interference...hence the reason why i did the modulator....i have to admit tho that i think out of all the transmitters i tried...the iriver one was the best one so if u were to go that route, i'd try that one first....its on sale at amazon for 29...good luck!

#1515 of 1807 Re: Volvo S40 T5 AWD vs. BMW 325xi vs. VW Jetta 2.0T [qbrozen] by mdid

Aug 02, 2006 (12:22 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jul 19, 2006 1:24 pm)
FWIW, I have a 2005 S40 T5 AWD stick and am very happy with it -- it is a blast to drive. Handles great and quite comfortable on the highway at high speeds. Also, while this is pretty dependent on wheels and tires (I have the 16 inch rims and all season performance tires) it handles great in the snow. Had it out in ten inches of unplowed snow and cranked through everything no problem.
 
Performance wise, I would think it is comparable to the 325 (perhaps a bit quicker off the line, but I suspect the 325 steering is superior). I looked at the 3 series when I was shopping and ended up going with the Volvo. From a pricing standpoint (I paid under $30K fully loaded) it was pretty hard to beat. I also plan on being a long-term owner, so the quicker depreciation didn't phase me, but I think that is a good point.
 
From a maintenance standpoint, I think the jury is still out on the Volvo. I've had the car for 14 months now, and have had one problem (a faulty switch in the starter that caused the security system to prevent the car from starting). That's probably par for the course with a lot of new cars these days, but frustrating nonetheless. I think the more recent 3 series BMWs have had better maintenance records than other models in the BMW lineup.

Messages Page 152 of 182

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