Garbage.
I test drove an S40 T5 w/ 17" wheels at one of the local Volvo dealers. I didn't put the car through its paces because the car was so underwhelming in the few minutes I could stand to drive it.
The least responsive transmission I've ever driven. It would take between 2 and 7 seconds to shift down depending on whether I used my right foot or the gimmicky manumatic crap.
Horrible wheel spin accelerating from a stop (fully loaded.. four adults in car.. FWD toys don't have enough weight on the drive wheels with a fully loaded car.. and when you accelerate the weight shifts even further off the drive wheels.. haha..)
Awful traction control. Seamless? Smooth? HAHAHAHA. But on the plus side, it will let you lay down some rubber so you can see how the car naturally lacks any manner of traction.
No rear head room or rear visibility. And I'm not very tall (about 5'7").
No boost gauge.
Busy HVAC controls.
Doors locked automatically.
If you need an FWD toy, go for a TSX. Six speed manual? Sat nav? Yum. And it's still 4-6 grand cheaper than a S40.
Or a Camry V6. All the TRD bits for the previous generation Camry V6 (up till 99 or so I think) run about $3000. Budget another $3000 (to be real generous here) for installation, and you've still saved at least four grand under what an S40 T5 costs. Only now you have a 300hp Camry V6 with all manner of suspension goodies.
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alex
'89 765T, 175,3xx mi
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