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Volvo S40
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He can because Select or Premium is required. He mentioned the Select package so he is the clear. In fact, that is how I ordered mine with the select. I already have received it and I am loving it.
As far the ride, it is very subjective to the driver. I have the T5 AWD, and the ride is not harsh at all to me. In fact, it is very comfortable. The car has the Sculptur, 17 " rims, and since it's AWD, it has the dynamic suspension. I guess it is all based on one own's experience, so let's all take each other's opinions with a grain a salt, and the true measure is yourself and your butt.
Interesting! What were the advantages of that approach?
STC (traction control) and DSTC consist mostly of firmware/software that's implemented in the brake control module (BCM). According to the S40 technical documents, the S40's BCM is a Mark 60, similar to the Mark 25 system used on P2 Volvos, but adapted for smaller cars.
STC is standard on the S40 as it is on other Volvos. (Does the Focus offer traction control as a standalone feature?) Optional DSTC adds yaw control and EBA to STC, just like other Volvos. It seems to me that S40's STC/DSTC implementation is very similar to other Volvo's.
Wouldn't it have been easier to start with the STC and DSTC programs written for other Volvos, rather than adapting a stability control program from a car with an entirely different BCM?
Some Focus, such as the American SVT & ST are equipped w/ traction control only. While some other American Focus prior to '04 were available w/ the full stability control AdvanceTrak.
Back in Europe around the year 2000, the Focus w/ the full stability control ESP was being praised by magazines for being un-intrusive while still takes good care of you when you need it. I can see why the programing can be so liberal, 'cause that suspension set up is already very predictable at the limit.
Then someone from France posted on Edmund that the Mazda3's DSC felt the same way.
The only stability-control equipped C1/P1 car I've experienced was the S40, both 2.4i & T5, during that Volvo invitation test drive in the rain. & it felt great while drifting neutrally. It did seem every bit as good as what I heard about the Focus-tuned program. That's all I can say.
Yes.
"The slush box's torque-converter slip actually shortens the turbo lag by letting the engine rev sooner from standing still."
No. When driving stick you can rev the engine a little and ease into gear. When an automatic helps is maintaining boost between shifts under hard acceleration. I even spoke to the skip barber racing instructor about how nicely the stick mitigated the lag, and he agreed.
I really think all of us have heard enough about the focus. If we wanted one, we'd get one.
dave
I have read a good article about the roots of the modern active safety technology of Volvo, but could not find a link right away. I will keep looking and will post it later.
and now they are at mark 60. But it is all from the same source.
http://apps.volvocars.us/ownersdocs/2005/2005_S40/05s40_03b.htm#p- - - - g59 (Scroll to page 59.)
For future reference, Volvo owner's manuals and other documentation are available online at:
http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier2/Owners/Library.htm
Now I am complaining by local authorities, I want the car to be changed, but no one (the dealer, Volvo or Ford) will take responsability.
Personally, I like the car, it is nice looking, good drive, but quality and service is very poor.
Hope this helps for everyone to make an informed purchase and do not get surprised.
By the way, the sunroof is automatic and slides and tilts as well.
In comparison, we had numerous problems with our Lexus RX330, such as warped brake rotors, CD player, power mirrors, brake light switch, under-body rattle, rear power gate, etc. The level of service was good, but we never expected this lack of quality control from Lexus!
But no problems with our S40. Our only service visit was the 7500-mile oil change service. I haven't had an opportunity yet to determine if the level of service is good or not!
what packages do you suggest
is scheduled maintenance included. she liked the audi it covered everything down to the winshield wiper blades. she looooovvvvved that car, doens't like the new a6 (they ruined it was her comment) so she looked at the a4 but liked the s40 better, sexier, cooler, distinctive is she wrong, should we look at something else. she wants awd.
BTW, your family pictures are adorable!!
dave
Each vehicle has it's own handling dymanics, engines and transmissions, and overall styling. These vehicles are not badge engineering jobs.
Even though I am having good luck with my 2004.5 S40, the RX330 has taught me to never again buy a new vehicle during its first model year. At some point I may back off from that rule -- but only for cars, not for SUVs. I can't think of any SUV that hasn't experienced significant quality glitches upon its introduction, at least during the past few years. Even the current gen 4Runner had some problems with its brand new design and its new V6 engine upon its 2003MY introduction.
The question is, is it worthwhile to put off the purchase to save maybe $500.00?
If you have a trade your depreciation will probably be more than that.
Also, interest rates are trending upward slightly.
The reason I was asking is we would apparently need to order a car to get what we want. A dealer has told me he would sell one for $250 under invoice, less whatever incentives are in place when the car arrives.
I was not previously aware that the incentives in place at the time of order would not apply (unless they are extended, of course).
You are right about interest rates. Perhaps the higher rates may mean they have to keep incentives to maintain sales, since most finance their purchase.
Assuming we were to order, with the terms I described, I think our best bet is to probably order as late as possible. This way we may catch the end of model year incentives, if any.
This brings up another couple of questions. What is the latest date that an order for a 2005 can be placed? How long does it take to get delivery of an ordered car?
Overall fuel economy was essentially the same for all three with the Accord yielding 1 mpg more than the other two.
- and MPG 22/29-30 is very much like Mazda 23/28-31 and just 10-15% less than Honda 26/34. I would not really call it sub-par.
Honda is famous to produce the most frugal engines.
Volvo cars are among the least expensive to insure.
It's cost about twice as much to insure a Camry or Accord than to insure a Volvo. That's equivalent to a saving of about $1000 a year. I know this for a fact because I'm currenty insure an 05 S40 and my sister an 04 Accord, all coverages, driving record and other factors identical and same insurer, Accord costs twice as much
I assume that the insurance industry have data and statistics showing Volvo cars and drivers are less prone to accident and serious injury than any other cars and drivers. Also factor in is that Volvo cars are almost impossible to steal.
I think I have a better example, if I may, because I actually called my carrier and asked for insurance prices for several vehicles. An '05 Accord Coupe V6 manual fell under "category F," while an '05 S60R manual was "category G," making the volvo about 10% higher per year. Unfortunately, I didn't ask about a T5, because I think that's a bit of a closer comparison as far as the all-important "sportiness" factor is concerned. Which I think brings up another factor in the comparison with your sister: what model Accord and what model S40?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
What incentives are you referring to? The loaded S40 AWD 6spd. that I'm looking at here in MN is 37k MSRP. How much can I possibly save on this car?
I have my S40 in T-tec because leather can get wrinkle and scratch easily, and in time ripped if you don't maintain it well enough.
when i ordered my car at the end of february, there was a $1500 dealer incentive. i was able to get a car with a $34k MSRP for $30.5k or about $1300 below dealer invoice and was a couple hundred $ below the edmunds TMV at the time. when i redid the edmunds TMV calc today, it doesn't look like the incentive is in effect any more. on your $37k vehicle, you could use the TMV as a base and see how much lower you can get the dealer to move. you should also check out the "prices paid" message board as another poster said you should be able to negotiate the price of a Volvo down by 10% of the MSRP.
Thanks, I'll take a look at the other forum and TMV. I've decided to go with the T-tec, so that'll save about 2k.
I'm planning on buying a S40 in October of this year. (T5 AWD w/ Dynamic trim package, T-Tec, audio package, sunroof, DSTC) I'd like to do the overseas deal that Volvo currently has in place for 2005 models, valid through April of this year I think. Since I won't be buying until October 2005, a 2006 model, I'll hope they extend the deal for the 2006.
My question is: "Has anyone done the overseas deal, and if so, can you share any details with me about it...? ie. How the pricing differs, what steps are made in the US and then in Belgium? As far as I know the shipping fees and tariffs are taken care of by Volvo?”
Hope to hear back soon!
In the nut shell, the Volvo web site is very accurate, OSD is pretty much is the way it is described there. I am pretty sure that the travel deals will be the same for the next year, the prices though are going up every year a bit.
I am a great OSD enthusiast, I've done it twice and am planning for two more within next 3-4 years. It makes about 50% of owing-Volvo-fun for me and my entire family. We have a most rewarding family fun driving our own Volvo in Europe.