Well, after months of comparitive shopping, test driving, insurance comparisons, safety records and features, sports appeal, etc

I finally decided on the S60.

I test drove the 3 series (325)- wonderful to drive and ext a +, but interior looks a little long in the tooth to me- a little 80's- although I know not everyone agrees

Lexus was close- but just too Japanese- no slurs here- just - I dunno' - almost too slick and sweet- (I needed more box)

Audi way to boring on the outside- fab on the inside, good handling

but the S60- ohh the S60- even the mis range 2.4T had a fantastic interior, daring (for Volvo) and fresh exterior with a sleek new look that is refined and doesn't shout "look at me" but looks oh so fine, and drives like a dream- I LOVE the slight turbo lag- or built in delay or whatever that Volvo has done with the accelration at low speeds- I almost wonder if this is for environmental reasons- and I love the torque and power as you rev up- the suspension is perfect for the car; sooooo- my baby silver graphite interior with Cold weather package/premium package/wood trim including the dash/mid section and etched windows are being delivered tomorrow! And even with the flu I am sitting here almost unable to sleep! So- it's ni-ni time- and into the land of dreamy dreams, for tomorrow is a new day, and with keys in hand, that day is mine.

until then,

Scott

ps- good deals can be had- even in NYC- shop on the internet- then quote aprice about 500-1K lower- and prepare to only come up a little. I am very happy about my deal.