I have been shopping for another car for a very long time. I am 6'4",225 lbs., and it is not an easy task. I also sold cars for 10 years so I have driven many new vehicles. I have a passion for the older ones-they have a little more "soul".
Enter the S60"R". I went to the recently opened Volvo dealer. At the time I was driving my '86 Corvette convertible-white on white and only 74k-very pretty. I enjoyed driving this car, but it did need alot of TLC, and smooth roads [and hopefully straight}. I also had a '96 STS- all black with no chrome on doors, with the 6 spokes-chromes-the right look. It had a great ride, but I like to play on the windy narrow back roads, and the Cadi was not a willing partner on the hairy stuff. These 2 cars were going to be traded in, I would soon learn. I would keep the '95 Wrangler with 32"BFG's for the severe Northeast weather.
I originally went to check out the S-40. It looked like a fun toy to play with . I happened to see a 2004 red demo "R". After some chit chat I took the "R" for a ride. 6 Speed, AWD, 300 H.P.,6 speed, 5 cyl. turbo. Hmmmm let's go!
This car surprised the heck out of me! Once I got use to the clutch, it was incredible. The engine has a wicked sound to it. Kind of like putting 2000 Hornets in a stainless steel 2 gallon can, drill a 2 inch round opening in it, and then shake it-hard! Add a little bass, and that's the sound! You have to hear it to appreciate it. After listening to the deep rumble of mainly V-8's all my life, this sound gives me a pleasant change. The beauty of experiencing the sound is feeling the car while it makes it. The power is very sudden and smooth.
I am a motorcyclist["04 Indian Spirit]. I meet many biker friends on Sundays at the local haunt. One of my double tatoo sleeve buddies mocked me for buying a "yuppie car". I said"let's go for a ride".
I jumped on the local interstate with him shotgun. It was raining fairly hard, and the road had a bit of a curve. Within a matter of seconds, I had the car into the triple digits[in forth gear, and I had 2 more to go]. There was no hint of wheel slippage,torque steer,body roll. This car is smooth. My friend held on to the grabrail above his door like his life depended on it[and it did]. I kept modulating [slightly]the gas pedal, giving that weightless sensation in your gut. The car responds instantly to this. It's alot of fun to do. The payoff was my friend saying "I feel like I'm gonna lose my breakfast". Bingo! I said "Now do you know why I bought the car?" He was impressed.
The car I bought is the 2005, in black sapphire metallic, with metallic blue leather seats[very cool!].This car is alot of fun. The shifter is not perfect, but close. There is a slight notchy feel, but it feels solid once in the gate, not rubbery. The turbo has virtually no lag, as long as you are in the right gear. The power band in this car is vast. I like the combination of the 5 cyl. with a quality turbo like the "KKK" in this car. You can entertain yourself with the mild to wild personality, and chassis/suspension wizardry just by pushing on the gas pedal and hitting your favorite roads. The car gives a refreshing sensation when in the middle suspension mode[Sport mode]. It's feels like your "floating" over the roads. You do feel the road, but it is not harsh. The ride is very forgiving. The steering very neutral. This is after all a front wheel drive car, so you do not want the wheel vibrating in your hand after every bump and groove. If you do, go rear wheel like a 'Vette, or "M-3". Toss the "R" into some curves under power, and she starts to dance with you, trying not to get out of step. There is almost no torque steer, as the rear wheels kick in as neccesary to avoid it[she's a dancer!]. You can slice most roads with precision. There is no brake fade or ABS lag from the smooth, massive Brembo's. You do stop "right now". You will want to take the long way with this car!
I keep it mostly in 3rd around town, and 4th for the highway, so I could enjoy the engine whirrr. The clutch pedal is a little high, but easy to get use to. The steering adjusts for height, and telescope. The seats are fantastic. The leather seats feel like your favorite lady's soft skin. When you are on them[in them], it feels like you are being cupped in a huge, soft gloved hand. These are not confining, stiff, race car seats, like Recaro's. They are supple, and supportive. They are like your favorite padded office chair, if you could afford it. My car happened to have all the toys; 18" Pirelli Pegasus rims & P-Zero rubber,13 speaker-300 watt-6 disc in dash radio, sunroof, 3 stage suspension, 13" Brembo brakes, etc. Very very nice.
I put 1700 mile on her in 3 weeks of local riding. I miss my old Vette and Caddie..........well, no, I don't. Take one for a ride. Take a friend. The look in their eyes when you hit the gas will be all you need to make your decision. As will the grin on your face! If you like taking long rides-especially on windy country roads with the occasional bumps and grooves, this is the one! Go Sweden!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $40,000
Condition: New Model Year: 2005 Model and Options: S60-R, 300 watt stereo/CD,6 speed, AWD, Sunroof, 18" rims.
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