NosniboR80

I've been waiting for a bit to get the 07 TSX, but I'm starting to be drawn to the S40. I've lurked around here long enough to get used to the "If you really need more HP, then the TSX isn't for you" line, but the big difference in torque is a real seller to me. From what I can tell and from my opinion, the two major drawbacks of the S40 (compared to the tsx) is the lack of aftermarket products (still haven't found a comparable forum either) and the missing ipod/bluetooth perks.

Any further insight from y'all?

MediaMike

I also looked into the S40, however, the nav is not as nice and the bluetooth is not integrated as nicely, and the depreciation on the car is HUGE, though I kind of like the way it looks more than the TSX.

I also spent some time on the message board:

http://forums.swedespeed.com/zeromain

and the problems with the car just seemed to be so common that I was scared. Not sure if the only people posting are those with problems, though there are so many, many problems discussed.

CarbonGray Earl

www.swedespeed.com .....I believe there was a dedicated s40 forum somewhere, too.

Volvo reliability and turbo lag....look out for these. I've been told by a devoted volvo fan that the s40 is overpriced, and a used s60 was a better bet. My sister has an s60 T5, and hates it. The ergonomics, materials, sound system are great, and there's no doubting swedish design, but its been less than reliable, and the turbo lag is pronounced.

I much prefer the predictable power of NA to turbos, and if you're going to make the argument for torque at $30k, there are better offerings than an S40 t5, the TSX just being one of them. I believe the TSX beats any swedish offering on price, content, value, reliability, driving experience, and ownership.

Of course, if you are just using this forum to confirm your opinion, just go and get the s40.

ninjamyst

Do a search...there been many threads comparing these two cars and in the end, the TSX usually has the advantage. I also believe there's a forum on Edmund's Inside Line dedicated to this comparison.

I test drove the s40 T5 3 times before I bought my TSX. The torque and power is there but the dealer wanted $2k more than the TSX. All the options add up to alot of extra $$. ANother con is the cramped interior with cheap plastic (check out the door handle and air vents). The waterfall console is cool but it gets old fast. The dash is ugly and the steering wheel feels cheap. The exterior styling is cute and it does grow on you. But the TSX is a much more reliable and luxurious car for a little less money.

jimbo3123

Agreed.

I drove the s40 T5 and the AWD version too. I really didn't like the interior or the TV remote type radio controls/HVAC controls.

sidssp

If you buy a Volvo, make sure you get rid of the car before warranty expires. It is a real money pit. My last car was a S-80 T6. If I have to describe the problems during the six year ownership, they can probably fill a hundred page book.

EuRTSX

My brother currently owns a 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD. It's a great car, pulls well, great power. Gotta love turbo. But there are the minor things that piss me off. Quality-wise my older Volvo 850 was better. The S40 had a couple minor problems such as cheap plastic breaking, and side mirror light cracking and wires dangling out. Took a couple trips to the dealer to set it straight, but it was quite annoying. Volvo just went down hill after it's with Ford.

IranBT

Try selling that car after you've bought it and you'll know why you should've never bought a Volvo.

NosniboR80

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Checked the Consumer Reports. The S40 had low ratings on electric functions and such. That was a fear of mine. So, I went ahead and bought a TSX, yesterday.

Thanks again!

EuRTSX

Congrats man!

BusyShifter

Is the 07 out? Just kidding.

Congrat and welcome!

CarbonGray Earl

Congrats! Colors, tranny, navi-option?

fuckleberry

O'RLY

LOL

Still Water

...don't start now. We already know how well that went before.

NosniboR80

Well, turns out that I was going to have to make an 8 hour trip to the dmv a few states away to renew my registration. Since I was going to have to buy a new car anyway, why pay two car taxes in less than a month? Went with the 06, obviously.

CGP (sorry, coudln't help it...it's my favorite), quartz, 6mt w/ Navi.

VerticallyChallenged

lol! I was all set to reply as I've recently driven both of them. Gratz on the purchase.

Hell with it, gonna reply anyways because someone will come looking in this thread just as I've done.

Because of headroom issues I was forced to look at the S40 sans moonroof and I drove the non-turbo version so it's not really a competitive car with the TSX.

To be honest, I felt the TSX blew it away in one key area: the interior. The interior in the Volvo looked cheap to me. The dash was plasticy and the way the radio is set up looks like they just bolted it onto the dash as an afterthought. It is possible that with the premium package it would be much better looking but even then there's that plastic on the dash and well it didn't look that much better.

The TSX was more fun to drive but like I said I didn't drive the turbo so it's hard to compare the two. The base S40 did go "ok fast".

On the other hand, the base package is a few thousand less than the TSX uncomparably equipped.

I'm also suspect on Volvo reliability although the S40 does have decent reliability ratings.

Grats again!