Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Small Car recommendations...

I'm guessing in the same general tone as 'I don't really want anything for my birthday.'

Tom I know this may be way out in left field but my wife bought her Volvo S80 new in '05 and this is the longest she has ever owned a car, Bimmers, VWs, Mustangs and Camaros ... she's had 'em all but this S80 has been the best. Very seldom do I ever drive it but whenever I do I am always so impressed with the car, stylish, good power and very comfortable.

Thanks, Rick!

No, I think I'm okay at home. Just have to be prudent with the bottom line. "Whatever I want...within reason" is legitimate and sincere.

I actually sat in a 2007 S60 and liked it quite a bit, although I'm not sure it is "interesting" enough for me to feel satisfied (see Subaru). I guess I decided that I liked the Acura better for that kind of car, although it is more money.

Tom, I think a G8 might be for you.

Here's a revelation...

How about a Volvo S60 R AWD, 300HP Turbo, Edmunds says 0-60 in 5.4 seconds.

What would be wrong with that?

Of course, this seems to be the only one in the NW and it's about 150 miles away.

I've got an 850 Turbo wagon from the mid 90s. about 50hp less than that, but the predecessor of that model. It accelerates pretty well, but maintenance costs are remarkably high--it's almost always >$400 when we take it into the shop. I like the car, but not well enough to get another one--other than the cargo space and the flat back, which is sort of moot when you're looking at the sedan...

Thanks, Ken!

OTOH, I look at those pictures, and damn, I like the looks of that car. Especially the wheels. Not quite the wheels from the '95 T5-R (those were graphite), but it's a nice looking car.

Apparently, it is an automatic and hence, a full second slower 0-60. It *looks* like a stick, but the dealer assures me it is an automatic, albeit a fancy 6-speed one with manual mode.

Still having trouble with that fun/comfort balance thing.

I bought my X-wife one of those (and a house, and half of everything else). I think it was an 05. Too small for me to get in / out of without cussing a bit, but once seated, it was OK and I'm 5'10". The seats were very comfortable for long rides (I love all Volvo seats). It's a solid little car, will hold the road well at over a buck 130. Doesn't get there real fast, not fast enough for my tastes, but over all, a damn nice car. If I were looking at sedans, the S80, V8 AWD would be on my short list. I prefer them over an A6 by a long shot.

Didn't read a lot of the thread, but read the part about the WRX and Legacy. WRX was my last car, and I have a Legacy now, so I can speak to this. The WRX was a lot of fun. Handles well, all wheel drive for bad weather, and FAST!

I got my Legacy in Jan 2009 (end of Dec 2008 technically). I knew a baby was not far off (had our first this past December) so I wanted something 4 door, preferably with a little more space than the WRX, but still something fun. I drove a bunch of cars and ended up with the Legacy GT. The GT is the key part of that. It is still plenty fast (mid 5's 0-60 if I recall) and handles well, but is a bit smoother of a ride and has more room in the back for the car seat.

I've had good luck with Subaru maintenance wise as well. I'd recommend it to you.

I would steer clear of Audi/VW. They are about as bad as it gets for reliability, at least according to consumer reports. My wife had an Audi and it fit the CR assessment. Always seemed to be things going wrong with it. She has a Honda CRV now and it's been good.