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New S40/V50 - READ ONLY

1117 messages,  Last post on Jul 19, 2004 at 11:10 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volvo S40, Volvo V50, Sedan

Messages Page 77 of 112

#759 of 1117 97mph in 1/4 mile by creakid1

Apr 15, 2004 (12:46 am)

T-5 6-sp:
http://www.pbs.org/mpt/motorweek/search.shtml
click "Volvo 2004.5 S40" under "Recent Road Tests"
 
"Handling, with or without optional Electronic Stability Control, is a big improvement over the first S40. The strut front, rear multi-link suspension in Sport Package trim is European taut without being stiff. Body roll is modest, and while the electro-hydraulic STEERING LACKS ROAD FEEL, it does have a good weight to it. Like the powertrains, there is a much sportier, nimble feel with a low level of front plow, much like a good rear-wheel drive European sport sedan. But the price for that prowess is a car that transitions to oversteer quicker than most front drive sedans."
 
So, at least w/ the 17" sport package, there's enough oversteer for you to play with. I wonder if the std T-5 w/o sport suspension can stay neutral enough for fun?
 
MSN:
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/jedlicka.aspx?make=Volvo&mo- - - del=S40%20(2004.5)
"...T5 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with the automatic transmission."
 
"While somewhat heavy, the QUICK STEERING lets a driver precisely place the car exactly where he wants it to go and provides GOOD ROAD FEEL. Handling is above-average, although the base sedan doesn't handle as sharply as the T5, with its firmer suspension. The ride—helped by the car's solid structure—is generally comfortable, but allows major road imperfections to be felt."
 
creakid1 Apr 11, 2004 3:43am
Like I said,
"Steering wise, I didn't notice anything. In other words, neither good nor bad, neither too quick or too slow, neither brimming w/ feeling nor numb, & WORKS PRETTY INTUITIVELY. The 325i's steering doesn't have that much more feel, at least in routine handling. But I didn't test the "at the limit" feel, as I only barely squealed the tires cornering both S40's."
 
Is that clear?

#760 of 1117 by ateixeira

Apr 15, 2004 (7:33 am)

MX-Flexa has good packaging but styling only a mother could love. I swear I think the MPV is more sexy.
 
-juice

#761 of 1117 Re: [ateixeira #760] by npaladin2000

Apr 15, 2004 (7:47 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 15, 2004 7:33 am)
Hey the MPV is pretty hot looking for a minivan.

#762 of 1117 by ateixeira

Apr 15, 2004 (7:52 am)

Just show prospective customers pictures of the MX and the MPV will be an easy sell.
 
I'll concede that it is very, VERY difficult to make a tall boxy vehicle look good. Look at the BMW 1 series hatches.
 
-juice

#763 of 1117 Re: [ateixeira #762] by npaladin2000

Apr 15, 2004 (7:54 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 15, 2004 7:52 am)
Hey I LIKE the BMW 1 hatch....but the &^%)*&()&*^0s won't sell them here (So I bought a Mazda3..next best thing..hehe).
 
The MX is actually 3 based...they need to tweak the styling a BIT but thay should give it the same "Mazda" look that the 3 and MPV share (and the Tribute and Truck are missing because they're not Mazdas...hehe)

#764 of 1117 by ateixeira

Apr 15, 2004 (7:58 am)

Mazda3 is handsome, actually. Good example of sorting out a tall car nicely.
 
Volvo V50 is long enough that it doesn't look stubby like that Bimmer does.
 
-juice

#765 of 1117 Re: [ateixeira #764] by npaladin2000

Apr 15, 2004 (8:02 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Apr 15, 2004 7:58 am)
Actually, I'd swear the Volvo V50 looks quite a bit longer than the Mazda3 5-door...are my eyes decieving me? They're on the same platform, but Volvo did say the V50 would be quite a bit bigger than the S40

#766 of 1117 by ateixeira

Apr 15, 2004 (8:04 am)

Maybe it's the hatch angle. Volvo tends to chop of the rear of the wagons with a meat cleaver.
 
BTW, that's a good thing, cargo space is amazing.
 
It's like comparing a Vue to an Equinox, the Chevy has a much longer wheelbase but the squared off Vue looks just as roomy.
 
-juice

#767 of 1117 Did any one else notice... by robr2

Apr 15, 2004 (8:21 am)

...that the V50 2.4i base model is available only with the Geartronic slush box?? I want a manual.
 
http://apps.volvocars.us/V50/specs.asp

#768 of 1117 Should I buy a New Volvo ??? own a 1984 by knickgnat

Apr 15, 2004 (12:54 pm)

I own a 1984 volvo GL with 79,000 miles on it. Until the last three years, it has been trouble free - never uses oil. The last smog check required 6 tries and $3000 to repair. It passed the smog check this year but is in the shop for a $700 repair bill. Everyone says that the car can go another 100 thousand miles - but my question is - the air doesn't work - intermittent electrical problems last three years - how do you know when it's time to buy a new volvo - one dealer told me average life is 18 1/2 years....and because I don't have a lot of mileage on it - it's subject to more rust, etc. I can't say I would feel safe taking the car on a long trip - that may just be in my head.
 
I'm 58 now - so I have to look at long term planning - does anyone have any suggestions on how to make a decision. I am looking at the new S40.2005 as a replacement.
 
Thanks for any info....Michelle

Messages Page 77 of 112

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