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I'm in the final steps of moving to Denver from WV with work. I managed to get myself a nice little promotion, which comes with a car allowance. Being that I'll be living and working in downtown Denver, I figured I'd just walk to work, pocket the car allowance, and continue to drive my 87 240 whenever necessary. Needless to say I figured wrong. I've been told I have to buy a car, and that car must have 4 doors. I've kicked around the idea of buying an S40, as well as maybe a Camry or Ford Fusion. Any thoughts on the S40? Things I should look out for, options to buy, avoid, etc.
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I have also driven the 07 S40 as a loaner from my dealer, and I really didn't feel very comfortable at all in the car. Everything seemed to be in-your-face close and the visibility for me was horrible as well. Cruising around I-240 in Memphis, I could see that the car had plenty of get-up-and-go, but at speed, it seemed really unstable. I didn't feel safe at all in the car while cornering. If I were you, I would test drive all of the cars you are considering and get the one I like most. IMHO, the S40 isn't a good choice if you'll need to shuttle clients around. The S60 would be perfect for that job.
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Have you even driven an S40 for a little while? I have, a few times -- I got them as loaners from my car dealer's service dept.; I wound up asking to please be loaned an S60 instead. Want to know why?
The S40 is awful. It's claustrophobic, and there's no visibility to the front q
quarters or rearward -- there's a world of difference between it and the 240 you (and I still) own.
At least in the S60, which doesn't really cost all that much more over the long run, it's roomier and more comfortable, and the visibility is much better. Do yourself a favor and testdrive both to compare.
Good luck.
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The S40 is built on the same Ford platfom as the Mazda 3 and the European Ford Focus. As such, the footspace is tight. This was a problem when I tried the car because I only drive manuals and I have Size 13s -- so I couldn't buy one.
If you have to cart people around on occasion, a 4-door Camry or the New Generation (2008) Honda Accord might be a better choice because there is more space inside. Happier clients = better job reviews, more raises and more promotions.
-BTC
'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 173k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck tape, zip-ties, two '06 Honda license plate nut impressions in back bumper (gift from daughter), Mobil-1 since new.
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." - Douglas Noel Adams (1952 - 2001)
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Is it the same platform as the Ford Fusion, too? It's something else I'm looking at, but the reliability and stupidity of my current company-issued Exploder scares me, plus I've heard the Fusion has a huge turning radius.
The camry and accord are definitely on my short list.
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From Edmunds.com:
Turning circle of the 07 Fusion = 38.7ft
Turning circle of the 07 S40 = 34.9ft
Figure the the S40 will have a better ride, more comfortable seats, and the interior will hold up better than the others you mentioned. Just test drive it. Sit in the back and passenger seats. Then see what you think.
My 02 S40 is the previous generation model but has been absolutely trouble free.
mormit
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02 S40 now my daily! :), 98 V70 T5 new wife mobile-very nice!, 85 245DL 275,000mi V15cam It takes a licking and keeps on ticking
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The Fusion is built on the Mazda 6 platform...and is built in MEXICO!
From Wikipedia:
"Changes to the CD3 platform from the Mazda6 include stretching it by 30 mm (1.2 in) in width and 55 mm (2.2 in) in length, strengthening it, and modifying the suspension for a more compliant ride. Like the Mazda, the Fusion uses the Mazda-designed 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 and Ford-designed 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6. All wheel drive is offered for V6 models in 2007."
"The Fusion is manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, where the similar Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are also built."
I had an Acura and had 0 (zero) problems with it. We have two Honda trucks and have had a total of 3 problems distributed over the two vehicles, the '05 has 34k and the '01 has 97k on it. Daughter's '06 Accord has had 0 (zero) problems so far.
Full disclosure: I own stock in Honda although I'm the one in the family who loves to drive Eurocars. (I must be a masochist -- I weighed all of my 10 years of Volvo maintenance and repair invoices this past week and the folder weighed in at 6 1/2 pounds!)
-BTC
'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 173k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck tape, zip-ties, two '06 Honda license plate nut impressions in back bumper (gift from daughter), Mobil-1 since new.
"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." - Douglas Noel Adams (1952 - 2001)
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