I was looking at our S60 T5's introduction recently and was reminded on how our car stickered at $41,350. It kind of seems like a lot of money, but our long-termer is loaded up with just about every option Volvo offers for the T5.
Buying a new, $40,000 entry-level luxury sedan doesn't really fit my budget or lifestyle right now. But it did occur to me that if you had 40 grand to spend, there's a pretty eclectic group of cool 2012 vehicles waiting for you. The usual suspects are here, of course -- the Audi A4, the BMW 328i, the Infiniti G. Then again, you could get a Ford Flex Titanium or a Ford Mustang Boss 302. Or maybe you'd want a Chrysler 300C, a Hyundai Genesis V6 or a Silverado 2500HD with the turbodiesel engine. Or you could go slightly used, opening up all sorts of other possibilities.
All you need is, well, $40,000. But given our S60's equipment, $40,000 seems like a competitive price.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
brn says:
01:27 PM, 02/ 3/12
or just pick up a SHO
gslippy says:
01:37 PM, 02/ 3/12
I don't have $40k to spend, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy a lumpy 5-cylinder. I'd really want the I-6 turbo, and that really pushes the price into thinner air.
But whatever I'd get - for any price - it needs enough headroom to fit me (6'6"), which this beautiful car doesn't.
blueguydotcom says:
01:53 PM, 02/ 3/12
G37 Sport literally comes with everything for 41k. The G37 would beat on this nasty car in every way.
clarkma5 says:
02:06 PM, 02/ 3/12
You don't get much A4/3/C for $40k these days, sadly. A base model with little in the way of options or else you're looking at 45 or 50.
someguyposting says:
02:47 PM, 02/ 3/12
At $40k, it would really pay to buy used. That would open up a huge range of top-notch cars. I suppose that's why you folks stipulated 2012 cars, but in real life one need not stick to new.
someguyposting says:
02:49 PM, 02/ 3/12
Oops, I guess you covered that. Sorry. Someday I'll have to learn how to read.
agnh says:
03:17 PM, 02/ 3/12
I would try my best to go for new. At $40k, you push to 43k and find a Boss 302 with Recaro package for sticker price. If I couldn't go over $40k, then a well equipped GT coupe would be it, a 6spd A4 2.0T or 328i sedan would be third choice.
Another option would be a Focus SE stick with sport pkg, cold pkg and 17" wheels which would sticker at just a tick over $20k, then you talk discounts. That would leave you another $20k whcih I would use to lease a well equipped A4 or 335i.
lincolnman3 says:
04:09 PM, 02/ 3/12
As I've said before, I'm a Volvo guy but this car is overpriced at $40K. $31-33K is this car's sweet spot.
Gslippy, just FYI, I'm 6'6 too and have a Volvo C30 - when I first sat in it, it was tight - even with the seat all the way back. But as I'm sure you know, Volvo's seats have lots of adjustments - after playing with them for 30 minutes or so, I found a comfortable position = with sufficient head and leg room. Basically have to lower the seat and tilt it backward. I'd suggest you give it a try if you haven't.
pshifrin says:
04:23 PM, 02/ 3/12
I've had my T5 for almost 2 months and really enjoy reading this long term report. My car stickered at $39,500. Premium, Multimedia, BLIS, Climate, Front and rear park assist. Down sized from an xc70 3.2 so in comparison, the t5 engine is great. Was a little worried about giving up the awd for winter living in NY but since winter hasn't happened I'm ok (for this year anyway).
I am really enjoying this car. It handles wonderfully and I enjoy the premium feel.
However, I leased and didn't buy. In December they were giving these things away with a 58% residual, low money factor, etc. Did a 36/15k lease for $450 a month with no money down. So for $450 a month, it's an awesome car. I mean much lesser cars are easily that amount and more.
pshifrin says:
04:26 PM, 02/ 3/12
I'm 5'4 and can easily brush my head against the roof or visor. I have no idea how someone 6'6 fits !
csubowtie says:
08:11 AM, 02/ 4/12
I think for $40k I would go looking for a used CTS-V or M3. My S-10 is soon to not have enough seats as well, and for that kind of money I could probably find a used GMC truck with an interior and luxury features that would make me feel way too pampered (not really my thing, but sticking to the luxury theme). Last time we went looking at new cars (about 5 years ago) we looked at Volvo's because they are just so good looking. Unfortunatly I found that they just didn't seem worth the price.
stovt001 says:
11:16 AM, 02/ 4/12
"I'm 5'4 and can easily brush my head against the roof or visor. I have no idea how someone 6'6 fits !"
They lower the seat...
legacygt says:
06:11 AM, 02/ 6/12
An earlier LT test post stated that the S60 exceeded expectations and I questioned that given it's price. Now that you shared this list of cars my opinion hasn't changed. Would you step out of a G37 or a 328 and get into the S60 and feel like your expectations had been exceeded? I'll leave out the pickups and coupes you mention but the Maxima is the only car that comes to mind at this price point that the S60 is significantly better than.