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I, too, had this dilemma. I deliberated for some time and test drove several other cars before coming to the decision to get the V40. Every previous car I have had has been manual, and that was a very big sticking point for me. I saw many manuals in Europe and waited an extra year in the hope Volvo would bring them in for 2001, but no dice, and no hope for next year either.
I have now had my V40 for about 6 weeks. It is wonderful fun to drive --- nimble, quick, and solid-feeling. I'm slowly adjusting to having an automatic transmission (it does have its advantages in heavy traffic, and at traffic lights on a sharp incline....); my right hand still reaches out to shift as I'm slowing down but my left foot is now behaving itself. Gas milage overall has averaged just over 28 MPG. All in all, I'm pleased with my decision.
The bad points? The paint seems to be a bit more prone to dinging than I'd like. I don't know whether this is a problem with my car alone, with Volvos in particular, with clear-coated cars in general, or with very-newly-painted cars (mine was special ordered, so it spent no time waiting around in the dealer's lot). And there's an odd rattle somewhere on the passenger side in the front. I'll have that attended to in the next few months.
Good luck with your decision!
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