Looking at 2006-2008 Volvo S40 advice...
 

Looking at purchasing one of these cars, anyone have any experience? It would likely be an automatic but a stickshift will be fine as well depending on price. It will also most likely be FWD (because of price).

Of course, an alternative is a 2007.5+ Mazda 3 GT (fully loaded).

Any opinions on which one is better, relability..etc?

Thanks.

Best thing to do is come on over to the Swedespeed forums and post in the s40 thread. We can answer your questions over there =).

What I can suggest for now is look for a T5 rather than a 2.4i because it is similar price point and huge difference in power. If you are looking in adding the OEM bodykit to the car, it is discontinued from many places so it will be difficult and expensive to find one. If you are planning to mod the car, be prepared to be frustrated and spend a lot because there are very limited suppliers.

Here is some inspiration =P

http://image.automotive.com/f/images...Bside_view.jpg

http://image.eurotuner.com/f/1824684..._rear_view.jpg

http://images.automotive.com/cob/fac...volve_hood.jpg

:fullofwin: Ive only driven the 2010 (used) s40s, but I was suprised at how nice the interior was and how well it drove. It's also a very solid, tightly built car. Servicing is gonna be more expensive than Mazda, but you know a guy who will give u discounts ;) :troll:

Honestly, on paper they're quite expensive for what you get, but after driving them you really appreciate the quality. We have both cars in stock, come on by :fullofwin:
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I've driven the the T5 AWD version and it was quite fun to drive. It is harder to look for aftermarket parts for Volvos but it is out there. Also keep in mind Premium gas vs regular octane in the Mazda 3. Depending on your budget, you might want to consider a 2007+ Mazdaspeed 3 too. Like Vash13 suggested, Swedespeed's forums should be able to give you more insight into the S40 and BCMazda3's forum has a lot of information for the Mazda 3

+1 for the T5 not the best sounding engine but was good on gas considering it was a xc70 that weighed quite a bit, volvo also makes some of the best seats in the industry and I'd like to see how alternative cars stack up

There won't be any modding going on, lol.

Strictly a DD and the car isn't for me. It's for a woman. So Mazda 3 Speed is out of the question.

Thanks for the tips so far. keep them coming!

the s40 is a great car, and the most reliable of the line up of volvos.

unfourtunately when it comes newish fwd volvos - parts are quite expensive.

if its strickly for DD status without any fun, i recomment the 2.4i N/A engine because its just more reliable.

A t5 is an awesome engine as well, but you have more plumbing + more components to work around.

I'm not sure if this affects things like different brakes and suspension systems, but ultimately its a difference of price in parts.

The same difference between say an 850 N/A and an 850T5.

The different between N/A and Turbo is also the type of fuel grade required. Regular vs. Premium.

If you're an enthusiast that enjoys constant spirited driving, go for the turbo model. If its going to be lady driven and putting around town, get the N/A model.

The only downfalls I can think of for the s40 is water leaks, and wheel bearings.

When going to check one out, make sure all the carpets are dry. They are prone to water leaks.

Also while on a test drive, try to listen to see if there is any wheel bearing noise.

best of luck on your search.