It's time to move on from our 1995 850. We have $20,000. Is Volvo the way to go? What model/ year would we reasonably get? Not a wagon. OR...is it true what is said about Japanese cars (Reliable, less thirsty)?
Input please.
The wife certainly wants a Volvo (in that we have owned a 142, P1800, 240 wagon, 740 wagon, 760 sedan, 850, S40 over our 30 years together. It's just that the 'newer' Volvos don't seem to be like the 'older' guys.

IF I were to buy a "new" car today it would be:

1. 2008-9 C30 (to get a deal on a new car that's still on the lot) these are going for as low as $19k around here and they are nice!

2. another S40 - we love our 2001

3. Toyota Matrix - have considered moving away from Volvo in the next car and this seems to be a good option

The car you get may also depend on the brands that are sold in your town and your willingness to travel for maintenance or parts. Also, check out the reputation of the dealers for the brands you are considering. If there is only one dealer for brand XX and his reputation is lousy, you may want to steer clear. I can tell you from personal experience, it's a pain to have to drive an hour+ to get service. Good luck.

There is no 2010 S60. New design for next year.

Car shopping is fun! Go to EVERY dealer in town and test drive everything that appeals to you, from Mercedes to KIA. Check the car rental companies after you narrow down your search, and see if you can rent one of the prospective cars for a driving weekend.

After you find the sedan of your dreams, and if the 2010s are too expensive, check out the used car lots of the same dealers. Lots of cars come back after a 2 year lease. Learn how to use CARFAX to determine if it is a rental car, you probably don't want one of those used cars.

Even a used C280 Mercedes with 4matic will fall into your price range.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 1967 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

wow great suggestion Klaus - a 4matic C-series is a great sedan. If you're looking for a sedan (and you're okay with going to the dealer for help - I have heard these German brands are not particularly DIY friendly... maybe a falsehood?) that should be on your list.

Also I'll bet you'll be surprised by the Korean stuff. I've been dying to try out a 4-door Genesis.

A 2006 or newer S60 would certainly be a nice addition to your long line of Volvo's. The model's a bit outdated, they've essentially been making the same car since 2001, and I believe a new re-design is in order for next year, but they're still really nice cars.

Here's 2 by me for sale:
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1424218727.html
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1428145301.html

That said, Volvo's are not good on gas, but they are safe, powerful, and [generally] reliable cars, but they have their quirks. If you want straight-up reliability, buy a Honda or Toyota. My parents have owned 3 Hondas ('88 Accord (which began to fall apart after I owned it), 2003 Acura MDX, 2007 Accord), and they have not had a SINGLE problem AT ALL with the latter 2 in the time that we have owned them. The Accord is great on gas, surprisingly spunky and quiet for a 4-cylinder, and great in-town or out on the highway. My Volvo is more fun to drive though, and for the MOST part has been pretty much maintenance-free for the 2 1/2 years I've had it. Nonetheless, shop around! If you're going to make a huge investment like that, don't limit yourself to one particular brand. I recently test drove a brand-new VW Jetta 2.0T and absolutely loved it, which would also be within your $20K limit.