The Camry/Civic/Accord would be one decent option. Reliable, but not more reliable than a S40. You notice this S/V40 forum recieves very little traffic. Why would a car forum be so slow??

I would put my kid in a S/V40 without hesitation. In fact, I expect my 3 year old daughter will be learning to drive on my 2002 S40. The S40 will equal the Camry/Civic in reliability and beat it in safety.

Here is the dirty little secret you need to know. Your kid will have some routine maintenance issue and go to the local chain service place (CarX, Midas, or whatever). It will be assumed she has money and likes to spend it. I've had it attempted to be pushed on me. That is why I do my own work. You need no more knowledge of cars to drive a Volvo. Shops will try to take advantage of the Volvo driver over the Toyota driver. Having worked on many makes of cars and visited parts counters of said makes. That is the way it is.

If you go the S40 route flush the tranny with the proper JWS33309 fluid before you send her on her way. No such thing as a lifetime fill. You go Toyota, flush the tranny with the same stuff, Toyota calls it T-IV but it is the same as JWS3309. No such thing as a lifetime fill for Toyota either. Both trannys are made by Asin-Warner and use the same fluid. Small world and I'd put my kid in a Volvo.

mormit
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02 S40 , 98 V70 T5 Koni FSDs, IPD swaybars and HD Endlinks, 85 245DL 277,000mi V15cam It takes a licking and keeps on ticking