Our A4 will now have some worthy competition...a new member in the "family".

[ILMA_Revo_Stage_2+]

Last two weeks, we spent a lot of time test driving cars. She's been driving a beater for the past 6 years thanks to our student/grad loans. Well most of it is now paid for, and she deserves something a whole lot better. Our employers have been good to us too, thankfully we are blessed that way. A reward was just cause.

We looked at several Audis; TT 225, A4, etc. but we already have two Audis in the immediate family and wanted something different/practical too. We even checked out a Scion xB but were never really serious. Cool car though, and that's it! ...i.e. until the next one comes around.

So we decided on the new 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD. Sorry to disappoint. I negotiated a sweet deal, $900 below invoice and at 1.9% APR (reward for good credit) it was hard to resist. Put in the deposit already, car ships out of Sweden soon and should be at our dealership sometime end of March.

The sport suspension on the car and AWD handles great! The interior is nice and seats comfortable. Just like the A4. The sound system upgrade is awesome too. We got the DVD Navigation option as well, very intuitive! Basically its decked out, just without the Dynamic Trim Package which is the body kit/17s. We will be getting the trunk lid spoiler as a dealer option (not certain). My wife is excited, its her car! You win some, you loose some right? :-)

Here are the specs on our car:

Barents Blue Metallic
6.5 x 16" Clava Alloy Wheels with 205/55/R16 Tires
(18s later)

Off Black Leather Seating (upgrade from T-Tec)

Premium Package:
Leather Seating
Power Glass Moonroof
Memory Function (3) for Power-Adjustable Driver Seat Position
Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat, 8-Way with Lumbar
Support

Convenience Package:
Homelink Remote Garage Door Opener
Auto-Dim Rearview Mirror with Compass

Audio Package:
Premium Sound System with AM/FM Stereo, Dolby Pro-Logic II? Surround Sound with Digital Sound Processor, 6-CD In-Dash, Anti-Theft LED, 4x70-Watt Amplifier and 25-Watt Center Speaker, 12 Speakers, and 140-Watt Subwoofer (Total 445-Watts). The sub is optional but we wanted a fully integrated look so added that too.

Climate Package:
Rain Sensor, Headlamp Washers, Heated Front Seats

Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) option

Bi-Xenon Headlamps (Low/High)

Laminated Side Windows (for safety)

Volvo Navigation System with DVD Map Data (USA/Canada) and Remote Control

Standard Features:
Transversely Mounted, 2.5-Liter, 5-Cylinder, Double Overhead Cam, Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with Intercooler and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
218 hp
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Electronically Controlled All-Wheel Drive
Driver and Front Passenger Supplemental Restraint System - Dual-Threshold Air Bags
Side Impact Air Bags for Driver and Front Passenger
Inflatable Side Curtains (IC)
Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS)
Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)
Security System with Immobilizer
Safe Approach and Home Safe Lighting
Electronic Key Integrated Remote Control with Central Power Door Locks
Ultra-Slim Center Control Panel
Personal Settings for Locking, Audio and Climate Control
Performance Audio System with Single In-Dash CD
16" Alloy Wheels
Warranty 4 Years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first
Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance 4 Years
Factory Scheduled Maintenance included

We have a few simple mods in mind...tint/18s but my A4 modding is going to take somewhat of a hit, maybe slow it down a bit.

I think our's is going to be an Audi/Volvo family.

• 2005 S40 brochure...

[bbaudi382]

[ILMA_Revo_Stage_2+]

when the time comes. Parts are expensive with any Euro car now, if one doesn't mind, why not, eh?

[Trent]

I remember driving the S60 and I couldn't help but think of how it reminded me of mom's Continental.

[roadrunner13]

[ILMA_Revo_Stage_2+]

[ILMA_Revo_Stage_2+]

[roadrunner13]

[roadrunner13]

[RASTA4]

What does the future hold for her? (suspension,wheels,exhaust)