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VW Jetta 2.5 vs. Volvo S40

28 messages,  Last post on May 06, 2013 at 10:40 AM

You are in the Volkswagen Jetta Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Jetta, Volvo S40, Sedan

Messages Page 4 of 4

#23 of 28 What's a better purchase? by katherine8512

Jul 19, 2007 (6:23 pm)

I'm looking to purchase a new car but on a budget of about $10k-13k since I'm still a poor college student. I'm looking for a foreign car as I am sick of my current American made car. I've been looking at 02-05 VW Jetta/Passat, 00-04 Volvo S40/S60/S80, 02-04Honda Civic/Accord. I'm leaning more towards a Jetta or any of the Volvos, but I've seen lots of complaints with maintenance problems which is something I don't have time to deal with. Which one do you think would be a better buy for me? Any other suggestions of cars to look at? Thanks.

#24 of 28 Re: What's a better purchase? [katherine8512] by blumstein

Jul 23, 2007 (1:28 pm)

Replying to: katherine8512 (Jul 19, 2007 6:23 pm)
Take a look at a new Toyota Yaris. My daughter's BF got one and absolutely loves it. I think it is a little over your budget, but not much. Other option is a Ford Focus, used. Yes, it is American made but we got 140k trouble-free miles until the tranny started acting funny & we traded it in on the S40.
Paul

#25 of 28 Tough decisions by walkabout

Aug 13, 2007 (7:30 pm)

I've loved my 2001 Jetta 1.8T. It's been a great car (even with the few (and anticipated based on reading online) minor mechanical/electrical issues I've had) and I think I would do it all over again if I had the choice. What was NOT fun has been my dealership experience (here in the Saint Louis area). I've been to 3 different dealerships and experienced incompetence, poor workmanship and more recently just downright rudeness/abuse. It's been horribly disappointing.
 
I felt often times like I bought a $12K car instead of a $24K car. I can't imagine buying a $100K Phaeton and getting that kind of treatment.
 
That said I will NOT be buying another VW. I can't handle the visits to the dealership no matter how much I enjoy the vehicle. The customer service is that bad
 
And for the price being paid the reliability/build quality needs to be improved. This coupled with yawn-filled external stying on the new VW Corolla err... Jetta means I'm looking at options... and the S40 is on the list of considerations.
 
I don't think the S40 is perfect despite it's hot styling, I think the Jetta with it's 2.0T/good-handling and a nice interior finish might outdo it in these categories but then I'm back having to face the VW dealerships. Not an option.
 
Also, it's hard to configure an Audi A4 or a BMW 3 series with the features I can pile on the Volvo or VW and avoid reaching $40K. But what other options are out there really for someone looking in this segment of small luxury sport sedans who are looking in the low $30K and not the $40K?

#26 of 28 Better Choice by tgkoenigsegg

Aug 20, 2007 (10:14 pm)

In my personal opinion I would choose the S40. This is due to the fact that I live in Colorado and there is an S40 AWD and it is a better looking car. VW customer satisfaction is at the bottom while Volvo is around the Top 10. I prefer the Belgian built S40 than the Jetta bui;t in Mexico.

#27 of 28 Having trouble choosing between a 2002 Volvo S60 and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta by amic10

May 04, 2013 (9:46 am)

My dad is buying me my first car. I have the options of a 2002 Volvo S60 2.4M 4-door Sedan and a 2005 Volkswagen GL 2.0L PZEV 4-door Sedan. They are both priced at $6,995. The Volvo has 106,087 miles on it and the Jetta has 96,778 miles on it. I am having trouble which one to decide on. I want to pick a car that is good on gas and doesn't cost a lot to maintain since I am a college student. HELPPP!!!!

#28 of 28 Re: Having trouble choosing between a 2002 Volvo S60 and 2005 Volkswagen Jetta [amic10] by kirstie_h HOST

May 06, 2013 (10:40 am)

Replying to: amic10 (May 04, 2013 9:46 am)
Our Help Me Choose discussion is much more active, so you might want to post there.

Messages Page 4 of 4

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