Sorry in advance if this only marginally relates to the 850 message board.

I have a 97 850 GLT and love it so far. Aside from the timing belt at 70,000 and the ABS module replacement, it has been pretty inexpensive to own since I bought it a couple years ago, and the performance has been great. I plan on keeping this car for at least another 2-3 years, but I've been reading some reviews of the new 2005 S-40. The older S-40's don't exactly knock your socks off, but the reviews of the new one that I've read have been glowing, to the point where it sounds like the T-5 version of the S-40 would be an upgrade from the 850. The interior of the new S-40 looks very stylish, and the performance of the T-5 is reportedly excellent.

Has anyone test driven the new S-40? I know the S-40 model has been in production for a few years, but I'm wondering if the 2005 version is a sufficiently "new" version of the model to justify waiting 2 or 3 years to see how these cars hold up.

Again, I love my 850, but it's nice to see Volvo coming out with new cars that I can dream about owning for my next one!

I drove the S40 T5 6-speed at the Volvo drive event here in Atlanta and was thoroughly impressed with the car. If I were interested in a small, very sporty, non-ricey car, I would seriously consider it. I think the styling Is good, the interior was very nice, but the fun to drive factor was great! We got to flog it around a track set up in the parking lot and my wife spent most of the time holding onto the oh-s*&# handle!

I think it will be a big hit for Volvo as long they are able to avoid the usual Volvo two year learning curve they have with new vehicles. But I am not ready to give up my '95T5R for it. It did convince us to order a new S60R though!

John

The P-2 V70 managed to get too big and fat vs. the 850 and P-1 V70 for my taste ... But, yes, I'm considering a V50T5 or V50R when (if)it arrives. That is, I'll consider buying it after they get the hang of building 'em which usually takes a year or two for new Volvos. I appreciated the thread over at Swedespeed about the Evil Computer in that new 2004.5 S40.... that's why I'd wait.

My '98 V70T5 still uses no oil at 143,000 mi. and it's faster than the current V70T5, so I'm in no hurry. Should I be?

-Punx

1995 TWR-prepared FLYING BRICK

AT 6'7" I don't fit into the 40, no headroom. I tried the other models but they painted the inside of the windshield black to keep the sun out. Now I have a huge blind spot where the road disappears - could not drive the car out of the parking lot!
Besides, the sunvisors are over padded and come down about 1" into the windshield area. You short guys probably think it is funny... try sitting with the seatback at 45 degrees and your hair touching the head liner while having the B pillar even with your left eye. The tint in the windshield is what I am looking through to see down the road, what ever is not blocked by the visors and the black paint.
Thank you, I needed that!

I feel much better now, that is why I will keep driving my 850T.
Klaus
--
95 854T, 88 780, 88 245

I would not give up my 95 854 for a s40 ? beside who would work on the thing,I can do almost everything on my 850 thanks to volvo speed. Maybe an s70 but thats it

not me, but here's someones experience over at volvospeed: http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php?showtopic=1954&hl=new+s40