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Help me make a case for a G over a 2000 Volvo S40

2.1K views 28 replies 22 participants last post by  CXHatchback  
#1 ·
Okay here's the situation: a friend of mine is looking for a car, and is interested in either a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta or a 2000 Volvo S40 (currently in a 1998 Mercedes C-class). Likes the apparent safety of the Volvo. We all know that the G20 is way better compared to both of those in luxury features, reliability, etc. However, I would like input on formulating a simple (for someone who doesn't know anything about cars) case for why a P11 would be a much better choice. I'm thinking about the following bullet points:

-Safety (The G20's handling capabilities can help prevent an accident, and in the event of a crash the car has a great record. I'd trust mine to protect me in any crash.)

-Reliability (It's Japanese, it doesn't break down. Mine has 150k and has had zero non-wear parts replacements)

-Comfort (Infiniti. enough said)

And I figure the best way to convince my friend of the G20's superiority is by offering my P10 for a test drive. The P10 and P11 drive similarly enough to give a good feel for the model.

Any input on what to add to this would be great. Thanks.
 
#3 ·
-Safety (The G20's handling capabilities can help prevent an accident, and in the event of a crash the car has a great record. I'd trust mine to protect me in any crash.)


big factor is u gotta know how to "drive" in order for the driver to be able to get themselves out of danger.

and for safety, i can vouch for it. lol



also talk about MPG, with gas these day, he will get the idea
 
#4 ·
Dunno how far the safety argument will take you when you're up against a Volvo, but I agree with the rest. Also, a G is probably a lot more affordable and offers the best value (not sure, haven't checked S40 prices, but I know the G is dirt cheap for what you get). However, if he's currently in a C class, cost probably isn't a big issue.
 
#5 ·
cant really say much about the volvo, but i can knock the jetta out instantly,

the car is crap (full stop) the drive by wire technology is so clumbsy, u can actually hit the gas, and wait, before the car recognize it, i work for the dealer, and in the used car section when ever we get VW they ALWAYS have some sort of pesky problem, and they ALWAYS come back for some kind of fustrating problem, i personally think a P11 would knock that VW in every way and form possible
 
#6 ·
i think its easy.

get him to drive a p11.

thats all it seems to take most people. after they drive it they like it. even tho it will be a little underpowered it still has more grunt the a vr6 jetta or a s40, so power shouldn't be a problem.

the vw maybe nicer inside, the germans really know how the make a nice interior, but other then that the car is problems. at the dealer ship i worked at we would whole sale every vw we got and would NOT put them on our lot. the reason for this was as stated above they just keep coming back with problems. and it was all dumb stuff, tranny shifted like crap, made a weird thunk over bumps, ext ext ext.

i really don't know much about the s40 so i have no help for you there.

Dan
 
#10 ·
The 2000-2004 S40's aren't bad. It's just that they didn't have much to offer. It has a turboed I-4 that only makes 160 at the crank. With a few mods, the G can easily pass that. As for the reliability, I doubt very strongly that it can compare to the G. Safetywise, I'd say that the G and the S40 is about equal.



Oh yeah, the G is an Infiniti.........


.....nuf said.:smoke:
 
#11 ·
i can definitally vouch for the G and i had the pre-airbag G.

Jetta looks like a car a bitch should be driving.

The S40 doesn't supply the punch that the G can put down with the right mods. Since this guy has the money just tell him that he can get a turbo-charged G for cheaper than a S40 so it would win in the acceleration portion. The G will also last a lot longer than most volvos as well.
 
#14 ·
That shouldnt be hard, my Infiniti dealer was linked with a Volvo dealer (intermixed) and I test drove both....The G20 is as fast as the turbo volvo and handled better, and the overall feel of the car was better (doors, backseat, interior, ergonomics and of course LOOKS!
 
#15 ·
The S40 was redesigned in the last couple years. Ive driven one and it's an awesome car that is probably as nimble as the G20 off the showroom floor. It also has a lot of power.

But youre talking about a 2000 S40, which is pretty much a gutless ugly car :lol: I also dont think it had the safety rating of the bigger frame Volvos.


- Greg -
 
#16 ·
Netherlands Government, Volvo, and Mitshibishi funded and designed a small car for the local market to help thier economy. Volvo built the 300 and 400 series cars there. In the mid 90s the dutch pulled the funding and it was just a joint venture between Mitsubishi and Volvo. Volvo then started making the 40 series to replace the 400, and Mitsubishi built the Carisma; both build in the same factory and using the same chasis. When the 1st gen s40 was done last year, Volvo sold their half of the plant to Mitsubishi and Volvos are no longer made in netherlands.

You can bash the s40 all you want, it really isn't a bad car. If I could get a T4 european model with the 2L turbo and a 5spd I'd be all over it. They started making them in 95, but wern't sold in the US untill 2000. But the us only got the 1.9t automatic.
 
#18 ·
Nope; the previous model S40 and V40 is indeed a rebagded Mitsu. Not to say that it's a bad thing; but it does make one wonder about the crashworthiness since Volvo didn't totally design it.
 
#20 ·
I looked at the volvo s40 before I bought my G and Edmunds.com wasa not a fan. Reliability was not to hot and on their board many owners where SCREEMING about the brakes. They needed replacing in like half the time they should of last, under 10,000.
 
#22 ·
G20....Infiniti......what other words could you possibly say.:-\ And as far as safety, I've seen post here of people who made it out of some pretty hairy crashes with no injuries due to our G's. I can tell you, you drive a g20, you're buying a g20, I fell in love with mine as soon as I drove it. Plus I don't think Volvo has a cool community website like us;)
 
#23 ·
Why is he sick of his Benz? The 00 S40 is a nice car, ex gf has one, it's not as nible as our cars, but in my opinion it is definatly more luxiourous. If he is looking for luxory (I can't spell at all) get the Volvo, if he is looking for inexpensive, get the G20.

--Garrett
 
#26 ·
Seeing as how I have owned a 2000 Volvo S40 1.9t I'll say a few words. There is something to be said about buying first year swedish/german vehicles. I aquired mine from my parents at only 13k. at 15k for what ever reason my steering colum shit to bed while I was driving it. It made for a very nerve racking driving experience. Numerous other things such as A/C cd changers, temp guages, lights, ect. all had to be swapped out under warenty. I spent more time driving the loaner cars then my own.

The best line given to me at the volvo dealership was "Volvo headlight bulbs generally only last about 10 hours" And the tech was serious. It must be a true statement, becuase keep track on how many S40's you see with headlights/taillights out.

Remember 00 S40's only came with the 4 speed automatic tranny. The 01's where upgraded to the 5 speed auto. 01's where also upgraded to 170 hp as oposed to the 160 of the 2000's.

I traded the S40 for the G20. Yes I lost horsepower, but I gained a really fun car. I have to admit there was something about that volvo that I really liked. But on the other hand I love the style and dependability of the G. I had more problems in 22,000 miles with the volvo then I have had in 89k with the G. Besides that light pressure turbo they put in that car is junk. If you want a real turbo car you buy a G and just turbo the damned thing!

Tell your friend to get a G, its just a damned fun car!