New S40 vs. TSX
08-25-2003, 10:52 PM
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Burning Brakes
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New S40 vs. TSX
What do you guys think of the new Volvo S40? It has a 220HP turbo I5 (think chip) and is available with AWD. It'll be available early '04. Clearly the Euro Accord and TSX are competitors.
More info...
More info...
08-25-2003, 11:34 PM
#7
Originally posted by Jason
Not bad but the interior looks like ass.
Not bad but the interior looks like ass.
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08-25-2003, 11:45 PM
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Re: New S40 vs. TSX
Originally posted by BarryH
What do you guys think of the new Volvo S40? It has a 220HP turbo I5 (think chip) and is available with AWD. It'll be available early '04. Clearly the Euro Accord and TSX are competitors.
More info...
What do you guys think of the new Volvo S40? It has a 220HP turbo I5 (think chip) and is available with AWD. It'll be available early '04. Clearly the Euro Accord and TSX are competitors.
More info...
SPUDMTN
08-25-2003, 11:59 PM
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Swami likey...It's probably way more money than a TSX I presume. I don't think the interior is too bad, that key is the SHIT. Anyway, I love my TSX and will for 35 more months.
08-26-2003, 12:01 AM
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Originally posted by swami
Swami likey...It's probably way more money than a TSX I presume. I don't think the interior is too bad, that key is the SHIT. Anyway, I love my TSX and will for 35 more months.
Swami likey...It's probably way more money than a TSX I presume. I don't think the interior is too bad, that key is the SHIT. Anyway, I love my TSX and will for 35 more months.
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08-26-2003, 12:12 AM
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Originally posted by darth62
According to Consumer Reports, Volvos are also some of the least reliable cars on the road.
According to Consumer Reports, Volvos are also some of the least reliable cars on the road.
08-26-2003, 12:18 AM
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Nice looking car in general. Would make me turn my head for a longer look if it drove by. I don't really care for the notched taillight theme Volvo seems to be on right now, but maybe thats just me. Honda tried that for what, two years or so? w/ the Accord and moved on. I wish Volvo would too. I'm not a fan of that interior, but I can see how a longtime Volvo person would feel right at home with it.
Anyway, on a more practical note, the thing that would concern me about buying any Volvo is the sparse dealer network and parts availability. Maybe that's just a Canadian thing, but I live in a city of about 750,000 give or take, and I think we have 1 (one, uno, ein, ichi) Volvo dealer. So, no thanks.
Then again, maybe I'm just retaining some kind of prejudice against Volvo for all those really boxy designs of the past and have some kind of mental block wrt Volvos, period.
Anyway, on a more practical note, the thing that would concern me about buying any Volvo is the sparse dealer network and parts availability. Maybe that's just a Canadian thing, but I live in a city of about 750,000 give or take, and I think we have 1 (one, uno, ein, ichi) Volvo dealer. So, no thanks.
Then again, maybe I'm just retaining some kind of prejudice against Volvo for all those really boxy designs of the past and have some kind of mental block wrt Volvos, period.
08-26-2003, 12:28 AM
#16
Burning Brakes
Originally posted by larchmont
No, about $3000 LESS, at least on base price.
No, about $3000 LESS, at least on base price.
08-26-2003, 12:37 AM
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Originally posted by swami
I wasn't talking about base price. If you buy the Volvo you gotta get the Sport, with leather and the 5-cyl., and the biggest tires they offer,and the AWD...Well? How much would one like that be? That is the question.
I wasn't talking about base price. If you buy the Volvo you gotta get the Sport, with leather and the 5-cyl., and the biggest tires they offer,and the AWD...Well? How much would one like that be? That is the question.
But if he's not: Yeah, that would make it maybe a thou more than the TSX, on paper. But I think you'd be more likely to get a deal on the Volvo, and that would pull them back even.
However you slice it, the Volvo is NOT significantly higher than the TSX. Which makes sense, because -- y'all are forgetting an important thing, dudes:
The comp to the TSX isn't the S40, it's the S60.
08-26-2003, 12:49 AM
#18
Burning Brakes
Originally posted by larchmont
I think Swami is pulling our leg.
But if he's not: Yeah, that would make it maybe a thou more than the TSX, on paper. But I think you'd be more likely to get a deal on the Volvo, and that would pull them back even.
However you slice it, the Volvo is NOT significantly higher than the TSX. Which makes sense, because -- y'all are forgetting an important thing, dudes:
The comp to the TSX isn't the S40, it's the S60.
I think Swami is pulling our leg.
But if he's not: Yeah, that would make it maybe a thou more than the TSX, on paper. But I think you'd be more likely to get a deal on the Volvo, and that would pull them back even.
However you slice it, the Volvo is NOT significantly higher than the TSX. Which makes sense, because -- y'all are forgetting an important thing, dudes:
The comp to the TSX isn't the S40, it's the S60.
08-26-2003, 12:52 AM
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Sorry I desagree larch. The tl goes against the S60, the TSX is a perfect competitor for the S40. This segment is becoming really interesting anyway. Now we can choose from the 9-3, A4, S40, TSX, 325, all available with manual trasmissions. I didn't think I would live long enough to see that in the States.
08-26-2003, 01:57 AM
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I will bet anything that of that list, only the TSX makes it to the "recommended" list at CR. 9-3, A4, S40, 325 will all be extremely unreliable cars.
08-26-2003, 02:14 AM
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For safety issues, Volvo cars are tuned to understeer...and yes, quite unreliable too...The europeans better buck up on their reliability or else, the japs will take over...
08-26-2003, 04:02 AM
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Originally posted by ALFA
Sorry I desagree larch. The tl goes against the S60, the TSX is a perfect competitor for the S40......
Sorry I desagree larch. The tl goes against the S60, the TSX is a perfect competitor for the S40......
Really.
That's the current TL I'm talking about. As for the new TL, we'll know soon enough.
08-26-2003, 04:40 AM
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Originally posted by larchmont
No, the TL goes against the S80.
Really.
That's the current TL I'm talking about. As for the new TL, we'll know soon enough.
No, the TL goes against the S80.
Really.
That's the current TL I'm talking about. As for the new TL, we'll know soon enough.
08-26-2003, 04:46 AM
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That does look very nice... My sister had a volvo a long time ago (probably when volvo wasn't owned by another company). They had that car for 11 years. The exterior looked like hell but that car kept running. Now that Volvo is owned by another company, I'm not sure if reliability will now be an issue.
08-26-2003, 07:35 AM
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So similar to the S60 that it will be confusing. S60 buyers will be less willing to spend 3-4K$ more. What is suppose d to compete with the Audi A4 ? S60 or S40? If S60, S40 are even smaller than Audi A4?
08-26-2003, 09:02 AM
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I shopped the Volvos, and looked at the current S40 mainly because I thought it would be a good car to pass down to my daughter when she starts to drive. I sat in one at the showroom a few times, and thought it was a little cramped, but I could live with it. Then I went to drive it, and realized I had never closed the door while sitting in it. I felt like a sardine, plus I couldn't get it equipped the way I wanted (without a sunroof - my head hit the roof with a sunroof). Scratched it off the list before I even drove it. Unfortunately, the press release didn't mention interior dimensions and that would be the question I have.
08-26-2003, 09:13 AM
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It's a big improvement to the current s40. I don't like the sloping hatchback design. Is it a hatch? The photos make it look pretty narrow as well, and the enormous tailights I could do without. All-in-all it's a much better version than what's out now. I'd put on a list of test drives.
...looking forward to future reviews on handling and stability.
...looking forward to future reviews on handling and stability.
08-26-2003, 09:49 AM
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Originally posted by Santacruz
It's a big improvement to the current s40. I don't like the sloping hatchback design. Is it a hatch?
It's a big improvement to the current s40. I don't like the sloping hatchback design. Is it a hatch?
Unless you plan to own a Volvo only during the period of the bumper-to-bumper warranty, I would avoid it. Volvos rank as one of the most expensive cars to maintain and repair. TSX is one up on this aspect.
08-26-2003, 10:01 AM
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When I started looking for a new car (three years ago, believe it or not) I started by looking at the S40.
I liked the looks and the specs and the price wasn't bad.
Then I went for the test drive.
Way too tight; felt claustrophobic.
Plus the trunk looked almost like a slot; I wasn't sure I could get more than a suitcase or two in it.
The car wasn't offensively bad or anything; just too tight for me.
At which point I changed my focus to the S60.
Which had pricing issues. :-)
And then I heard/saw the coming 2001 Altima so I decided to wait a year...
After seeing the tacky interior and driving that one, I sighed and decided to wait for the Mazda 6...
By the time the local dealer had any Mazda 6's I could test drive, the TSX was out...
All turned out for the best. :-)
The new S40?
Well, the exterior needed no work and and got little if any change.
The (formerly) wraparound dash got moved forward, making it airier and less claustrophobic, which would have helped sell me...
The faux-metal dash is a bit much for my tastes but I guess I could grin and bear it if I have to.
The good news is I don't have to; I have my TSX...
I liked the looks and the specs and the price wasn't bad.
Then I went for the test drive.
Way too tight; felt claustrophobic.
Plus the trunk looked almost like a slot; I wasn't sure I could get more than a suitcase or two in it.
The car wasn't offensively bad or anything; just too tight for me.
At which point I changed my focus to the S60.
Which had pricing issues. :-)
And then I heard/saw the coming 2001 Altima so I decided to wait a year...
After seeing the tacky interior and driving that one, I sighed and decided to wait for the Mazda 6...
By the time the local dealer had any Mazda 6's I could test drive, the TSX was out...
All turned out for the best. :-)
The new S40?
Well, the exterior needed no work and and got little if any change.
The (formerly) wraparound dash got moved forward, making it airier and less claustrophobic, which would have helped sell me...
The faux-metal dash is a bit much for my tastes but I guess I could grin and bear it if I have to.
The good news is I don't have to; I have my TSX...
08-26-2003, 10:13 AM
#32
What sticks in my head about volvo's is justinjsw's damning comments regarding the volvo they tried to have in the test drive (pre TSX release) along with the TSX, IS300 and something else... the volvo just gave up the ghost after some hard driving. Wonder if they've made any improvements with the new model(s).
08-26-2003, 10:31 AM
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vito-
Were they driving the current generation S40?
I'd say that the next generation cars will be leaps and bounds better than what's for sale now.
The 1995-2003 model S40 is based on a Mitsubishi Carisma small car platform. Given that the Carisma was considered a bad Mitsubishi, the S40 didn't stand much of a chance.
The 2005 model is based on the Ford Focus II platform, which is acutally being lauded as the best european chassis next to a 3-series. Either way, the new model stands a much better chance at being a real competitor than the other one did.
As for reliability, I suspect it'll be fairly poor just like most other modern Volvos.
Were they driving the current generation S40?
I'd say that the next generation cars will be leaps and bounds better than what's for sale now.
The 1995-2003 model S40 is based on a Mitsubishi Carisma small car platform. Given that the Carisma was considered a bad Mitsubishi, the S40 didn't stand much of a chance.
The 2005 model is based on the Ford Focus II platform, which is acutally being lauded as the best european chassis next to a 3-series. Either way, the new model stands a much better chance at being a real competitor than the other one did.
As for reliability, I suspect it'll be fairly poor just like most other modern Volvos.
08-26-2003, 10:42 AM
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Originally posted by fjtorres
When I started looking for a new car (three years ago, believe it or not) I started by looking at the S40.
I liked the looks and the specs and the price wasn't bad.
Then I went for the test drive.
Way too tight; felt claustrophobic.
Plus the trunk looked almost like a slot; I wasn't sure I could get more than a suitcase or two in it.
The car wasn't offensively bad or anything; just too tight for me.
At which point I changed my focus to the S60.
Which had pricing issues. :-)
And then I heard/saw the coming 2001 Altima so I decided to wait a year...
After seeing the tacky interior and driving that one, I sighed and decided to wait for the Mazda 6...
By the time the local dealer had any Mazda 6's I could test drive, the TSX was out...
All turned out for the best. :-)
The new S40?
Well, the exterior needed no work and and got little if any change.
The (formerly) wraparound dash got moved forward, making it airier and less claustrophobic, which would have helped sell me...
The faux-metal dash is a bit much for my tastes but I guess I could grin and bear it if I have to.
The good news is I don't have to; I have my TSX...
When I started looking for a new car (three years ago, believe it or not) I started by looking at the S40.
I liked the looks and the specs and the price wasn't bad.
Then I went for the test drive.
Way too tight; felt claustrophobic.
Plus the trunk looked almost like a slot; I wasn't sure I could get more than a suitcase or two in it.
The car wasn't offensively bad or anything; just too tight for me.
At which point I changed my focus to the S60.
Which had pricing issues. :-)
And then I heard/saw the coming 2001 Altima so I decided to wait a year...
After seeing the tacky interior and driving that one, I sighed and decided to wait for the Mazda 6...
By the time the local dealer had any Mazda 6's I could test drive, the TSX was out...
All turned out for the best. :-)
The new S40?
Well, the exterior needed no work and and got little if any change.
The (formerly) wraparound dash got moved forward, making it airier and less claustrophobic, which would have helped sell me...
The faux-metal dash is a bit much for my tastes but I guess I could grin and bear it if I have to.
The good news is I don't have to; I have my TSX...
???
08-26-2003, 01:08 PM
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08-26-2003, 01:21 PM
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Volvo = Ford
You really can't hold this against them jack. I mean, they were once partly owned by Renault and Mitsubishi (which is why the current S40 IS a Mitsubishi platform) for God's sake. At least Ford has money.
Also, Volvo is being utilized heavily as an "R&D" center for Ford. This means that Volvo gets more funding to do the cool stuff they do with their cars, and Ford's mainstream lineup gets to benefit in the form of cool safety features, electronics, and the "body-designer-on-loan program". So, you will actually see more "volvo" in Ford - Case in point: The Ford Futura you see below:
The Futura is a Mazda 6 chassis, Ford Duratec engine, and penned by a former Volvo designer.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the symbiotic nature of Ford's relationship with its subsidiaries. In contrast to what GM is doing with SAAB, this is a great relationship.
08-26-2003, 04:04 PM
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Volvo s40
I will say this...if it is as underperforming as the T5 247 HP 0-60 in 8.2 seconds in the old c70-that was also pretty to look at-I want no part of it. I really feel that Volvo exaggerates their HP's or only gets about 50% to the flywheel. Very attractive, safe cars...nothing more!
.... But I would buy that Ford!