Allrighty, Like most of the other posts like this, I'm getting close to car buyin time. Here is my predicament: College Student (Pre-med, so not going to make money for new car for a long time [stupid student loans]) trying to pick out a ride. I think I've narrowed it down to these two. And like the rest of these 'a vs b' threads, I have my reasons for both.

Rx-8 and the 2004.5 S40 T5 (both manual)
Looks: rx8 :D
Speed: Actually about the same 0-60 speeds (6-6.5sec is what i've been seeing)
Handling: rx8
Fuel Economy: s40
Space (trunk/back): s40
reliability/maintainence (long term): ?

I guess the biggest conern for me is the last '?' there, what do you all think will honestly last longer w/o giving me loads of problems? The s40 seems more sensible (mpg and space), but the rx8 is just so damned purdy. Another big question is, has the small trunk/back ever been a big problem for you at all? Try to consider that this will be the only vehicle I'll have for the next many years.

I'm sure i'll get a load of 'go rx8' replies, just wondering if the flashy character of the 8 can outweigh some of the more 'sensible' features of the s40.

Sorry about all that wordy rambling, hard as hell to organize these kinds of things in your head, once you get thinking there's just no stopping, cursed cars.

So yes, Thanks for the input folks.

 

Really, if you are concerned about reliability, you probably shouldn't get either car. Both cars are so new that we can't really make reliability claims about them.

What about the Acura TSX? I would personally consider that before the S40. I know it is a new model in the States, but pretty much the same car has been sold in Europe for years. It is about the same price as the S40 or RX-8, gets above average fuel economy, has more space than either, and will likely have better reliability too. It is also a more "sensible" near luxury vehicle than either.

Also, keep in mind that the S40 shares its platform with the Mazda 3 and European Ford Focus. Though I am sure that it has many advantages over these cars, mechanically its basic structure is designed for the economy car class. The 8 on the other hand was built from the ground up as a near luxury 4 door sports coupe.

 

I actually had a chance to test drive the new S40 this weekend... Volvo had a test drive event over the weekend in my area... http://www.volvodriveevents.com/

I have a Tit Gray 6-speed manual w/ GT package so I'll share my opinions about both cars... They are two very different cars so it really comes down to what your wants/needs are... The RX-8 is a true sports car w/ a touch of luxury, and the S40 is a compact luxury sedan w/ a touch of sportiness...

As for the driving experience, I definitely prefer the RX-8 over the S40. The clutch and shifter in the 8 is much better IMO. The S40 definitely has way more torque, and available at a much lower RPM (I believe 236 lb. ft. or so).. but the thrill of a high-revving rotary engine more than makes up for that... In the handling department, RX-8 definitely wins...

Interior-wise, S40 has a much more luxurious and comfy cabin... But you won't feel that man-machine connection as you do in the RX-8...

I have no problems w/ the size of my trunk, it all depends what you plan on hauling... the S40 will definitely be more flexible and practical, but the RX-8 is very practical for a sports car... The Volvo definitely feels more well-built and vault-like, after all, it is a Volvo...

Another thing you might want to consider is dealing w/ the service depts. As you may have read, most of the Mazda service depts. don't exactly understand the meaning of customer service. I have no idea how Volvo is in that area so you may want to do your own research on that if it is something important to you...

I think both cars are a great value... I suggest you do some extensive test-driving of both vehicles, and then go from there... I personally would still go with the RX-8 for the unique experience it provides...

 

My dad sells Volvo's for a living. It don't know if this will be true for the new s40 since it is a Mazda 3/Ford Focus clone, but other Volvo's he says are not cheap cars to own. Although the fit and finish of them are excellent, they require a lot of maintenance....expensive maintenance.

 

FALSE... i own a VOLVO C70 COUPE... same inline-5 turbo used in the s40... volvo's are reliable cars, they have excellent dependailty... i never had major problems... no rattles... c70 hauls 0-60 in 6.5 and gives me 23.8 mpg... 50/50 frwy/cty


Get the AWD S40.. it handles really well...

RX-8 is nice car... really nice... but pre-med student needs reliable trashable car... i am 16 and i drive it like i stole it... still runs prefect....

i say buy the volvo now... and buy a RX-8 later...

 

I'm glad that you don't have any problems with your C70. But you speak only from your experience with that car. When you work at a dealership you get alittle better understanding of just how good the cars are and how expensive they are to fit compaired to other vehicles.

 

VOLVO the next oldmobile... NO... you dont even own a volvo... haven't you seen the Volvo R's... Volvo's are sweet cars... shes a college student...

Volvo S40 is more reliable than RX-8.... I really admire the RX-8.. one day i will be a owner of a RX-8...

Comming from a Owner of a Volvo.... buy a volvo... you cant go wrong... 445 watts stereo... Navi... AWD... you can't go wrong...

 

Heh, mixed reviews i guess. What gets me is the comparison to the oldsmobile. When at home (and back in high school) I was sportin' the '88 Cutlas Sierra, suckers a tank and still rolling. Anyway, I think I'll end up test driving both over and over... <sigh> indecision...

 

what is "purdy" ??

 

here's my usual response:'

test drive them both...back to back.

 

"purdy": kinda like a dumbfounded or enamored way to say pretty... like if some slack jawed guy is gawking a girl "darrr, she purdy." <shrug>

 

Yes, kind of like Deliverance style scary redneck statements, "Boy, you sure do got a purdy mouth."

 

Why do you think Volvo will be the next Oldsmobile?

 

Good question.... WHY...

 

if you are going to get a Volvo S40, i suggest you to go for the new Subaru Legacy B4, which has already arrived the dealers. even a fully loaded one is under 30K (invoice price). AWD,0~60 @ 5.5 sec, 250hp turbo, detuned STi engine, lighter weight, looks younger and sportier. it has very, very impressive crash test results too. and i also i prefer the interior and exterior of B4 too. the Legacy wagaon can even go faster than a RS6 on track.

 

I saw the S40 at the NY autoshow and in my mind was comparing it to the Mazda 3. I thought the interior materials looked cheaper, they definitely did a bit of cost cutting in that area. The only area the S40 is better in is the engine but is that worth $5K? I don't think the RX8 is a good comparison but against the Mazda 3 I think I would save some money and buy that before the S40. I don't think a lot of people realize how good the Mazda 3 is for the money.

 

Been looking that 2005 subaru legacy. Seems pretty sweet, but there did you see that it has already arrived at dealers? Seems to me that it will be available sometime mid-late summer. I don't know, the subaru website, edmunds, etc doesn't have configuring specs and such yet..

 

the 2.5i has arrived at some dealers. the turbos will arrive at the end of may

invoice price:
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/legacy...005.html#price

more info:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/foru...?s=&forumid=63

Legacysti.com

:D

 

$26,570 to $29,070 for the limited model doesn't sound to bad for the 2.5 GT.

 

hey in terms of trunkspace i was surprised about my rx8 when i went on a business trip last week, i thought id have to load the front seats up with luggage, but i amazingly was able to fit two large suitcases and a backpack in that trunk. Its surprisingly large because its deep (gas tank in front of trunk i think).

and you can stuff a 6'1" 200 pound guy in there. hehe playing around with the safety trunk release.

 

I guess having the 8 as your only car could work for you. Even consumer reports says that the newer Volvos are less reliable. The older volvos are the way to go. I would take that sweet *** new Subaru Legacy over the volvo. People say RX-7s are unreliable. I have an 86' with 43K on the motor with no problems for years. But if you look at the RX-7s as a whole they are not the most reliable car. I honestly think the 8 will be more reliable than the volvo once you get the ECU reflash ect.