Volvo S60R

I also got in one, back seat, and it sure wasnt as roomy as my WRX. My friend sat on front and it didnt have enought room for a passenger in the back seat. My WRX has a lot of space, I can detract the seat all the way back and still sit with a lot of space in the back
 
Well, I priced a Volvo S60R on Volvo's site and came up with a car that ran me around $43,000+. I chose dust magnet black with the blue/black interior.
 
And you can join a buying program available in the US where you buy it cheaper direct from the factory and the price includes your travell to Sweden to pick up your car, a tour on the factory and other goodies.
 
Once I get another job, I am going to do some looking around. I might test drive the R to see if I will be comfy in it.
 
Well, I just sat in the R and find I am comfy in it. Anyone sitting in the back seat is DEFINITELY not going to be so fortunate.
 
Hey Prinz....I think I recognize you from maxima.org. I looked into an S60R (albeit a one year old example) before I bought my AV6 6spd a couple of months ago. It looks great in some colors (particularly red) and not so good in others. I do like the color variety in the interior though. I'm not sure about interior room as I am 5'10" and 145lbs.....I fit in most cars without a problem..lol. The controls take a little getting used to as they are most certaily Swedish quirky. The stereo did rock and the blue tint guages were cool. The performance of the car was great. One disconcerting thing I did notice was the raspy exhaust/engine note of Volvos 5cylinder turbos. It just sounded like it had a cold or was a little weezy. I'm sure an aftermarket intake/exhaust would fix all that but I'm talking about stock here. While being an 'R' model does give it some athletic legs, it certainly didn't have the poise of say a G35 or 330i. I think its tuned for more of a boulevard ride that can reward your feisty moments. I'm not sure if it justifies its $43K asking price...that alone is up to you.



Interestingly enough, I actually test drove and preferred (for bang for the buck anyway) the new S40T5 AWD 6spd. Felt 'almost' as fast as the R, yet still retained that nasal sounding engine note. Its obviously more a compact sedan, so it may not be on your option list.



I think I would lean more to a 6th gen Maxima (after your replace the buck tooth grille). Even though a new Maxima is far from my favorite car, I think it would be the best balance for you...considering what you have mentioned above as things you are looking for. What about a TL...particularly A-Spec model?



If you do go with the Volvo, you might want to find out if Ford employees (or their friends and families) get huge discounts like they do on the standard Ford line. That would save you boat loads of money right there and might make the decision alot easier. Good luck.
 
Prinz II,

I have a 2005 S60R. The photos posted are great, but of a 2004. The '05 has a much better center console. I am military living in Germany, so I have had the opportunity to open my car up on the Autobahns. At 150 MPH, the car is still pulling.



It is an awesome car from all angles. However, if you want a large back seat you may want to look elsewhere. I am 5'9" and with the seat in a comfortable spot for me, there is not a lot of back seat room.



If you can live with a "good" back seat the car is awesome in all other aspects. I picked mine up in Sweden and drove it home. The seats are great and the car never seems to run out of power.



JT
 
Autobahn: I'll have to drive one and see how it feels. I do agree on the back seat. Considering I am 6'3.5", there is absolutely no room for anyone sitting behind me.



I am going to check out one at a nearby dealership shortly.
 
RadMon said:
From Edmunds.com



2003 Maxima SE

Front Head Room: 40.5 in.

Front Hip Room: 55.3 in.

Front Shoulder Room: 56.9 in.

Rear Head Room: 37.4 in.

Rear Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.

Rear Hip Room: 53.7 in.

Front Leg Room: 43.9 in.

Rear Leg Room: 36.2 in.

Luggage Capacity: 15.1 cu. ft.



2004 Volvo S60 R

Front Head Room: 38.7 in.

Front Hip Room: 55 in.

Front Shoulder Room: 56.2 in.

Rear Shoulder Room: 55.5 in.

Rear Hip Room: 54.6 in.

Front Leg Room: 42.6 in.

Rear Leg Room: 33.3 in.

Luggage Capacity: 13.9 cu. ft.



As you can see, the Maxima has a larger interior. You should probably sit inside the Volvo (and probably test drive it as well) before making the decision.



I'd go with the Volvo, but that's me :D



2003 Maxima SE vs Volvo S60R



- VQ35DE is a very strong motor. When I first drove one, the car actually had the same amount of pull as some smaller displacement V8s. Plus, the fuel economy is pretty decent.

Again, I'll be driving an S60R to see the comparison.



- Interior Room. Even with a sunroof, I still had some decent headroom in the Max. I also had decent headroom in the Volvo, but the Max is better in the interior room department as outlined above. I have had some 6' friends sitting behind me in the Max and they did gripe about the headroom, but they were not griping too much about the legroom. The Volvo would wind up being a 2 seater with the future Mrs and I.



- Service: I have heard about service from Volvo dealers being decent (Still awaiting feedback regarding Laurel and Volvo of Oak Park). The service woes that many of my counterparts experienced with Nissan dealerships were non-existent at the ones I dealt with.



The other notes will be shared once I drive the S60R and give a complete rundown.



BTW, another car that is crossing my mind is the '06 Infiniti M45 Sport. :drool:
 
Prinz: Did you ever get to drive one? I am thinking about taking a look at one. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
 
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