ms3 vs. s60R

[300zx_tt]

i have narrowed down my search for a car between an 04 s60R with like 80k on it or an 07 mazdaspeed3 grand touring with like 42k on it. both around $13,000 just wondering if you guys have any info or opinions about the 2 cars the ms3 is black and the s60r is like a grey or dark silver. have at it :thumbup:

[92accordex]

Ms3. One of my fav cars ive driven

[jnr5005]

Ms3 w/ 42k mi for $13k sounds like a pretty good deal. Both are good cars; but I would have money saved for repairs if you are gonna buy either. Or buy an extended warranty. That being said I love my car. I know a lot of people find traffic really annoying with 1st gear being so short. If u want to go slow, u have to creep otherwise it sounds like ur trying to go mach 5 and minivans race u lol. U wouldn't have to deal with that in the S60R.

[MattBear]

Get the Volvo. Even with higher mileage its a better car. Volvo is one of the better cars on the road, and that I-5 making 300hp, which is a time tested engine...well with the AWD, how can you even compare them.

i mean really...
http://images01.olx.com/ui/1/39/17/1633217_1.jpg
vs
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/389/981/25970490001_large.jpg <- that doesnt even look good.

[MattBear]

Is this it??

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;jsessionid=LB2pKWtN1Zm5pxrTwvNQQn0?tab= photos&paId=347017718&recnum=&listingId=40472917&paId=347017718&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3d13000%26sf1Dir%3dDESC%26prMn%3d0%2 6alMdId%3d21492%26mkId%3d20073%26stkTyp%3dU%26mdId %3d21492%26rd%3d75%26crSrtFlds%3dstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26zc%3d19422%26rn%3d0%26PMmt%3d1-1-0%26stkTypId%3d28881%26sf2Dir%3dASC%26sf1Nm%3dpric e%26sf2Nm%3dmiles%26alMkId%3d20073%26rpp%3d50%26fe edSegId%3d28705&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&aff=national

Go to CT and get this guy:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=42112131&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3D13000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%2 6alMdId%3D21916%26mkId%3D20044%26mlgMx%3D90000%26s tkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21916%26rd%3D150%26crSrtFlds%3D stkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-pseudoYear-pseudoMileage-transTypeId%26zc%3D19422%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26yrMn%3D2004%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26yrMx%3D2004%26al MkId%3D20044%26transTypeId%3D28112%26rpp%3D50%26fe edSegId%3D28705&aff=national

[mckpat03]

MS3 for sure. 04 S60R with 80k could get incredibly costly very quickly.

If you get set on the Volvo, check out the Volvo forums and make sure you know what you're getting into. Also, I believe we've got a few resident Volvo enthusiasts lurking the boards that could help you out.

[300zx_tt]

haha i know what your sayin my dad says s60 but i love the speed3's idk why. mazda parts arent cheap but i drive a volvo now and i have to say they are some of the most expensive parts i have seen. i like all the features the volvos have but there is somethin about the speed that makes me want to buy it hahahaha i with they were both white tho

[MattBear]

http://cars.about.com/cs/testdrives/fr/volvos60_r.htm

http://www.insideline.com/mazda/mazdaspeed-mazda3/2007/full-test-2007-mazdaspeed-3.html

honestly you CANT compare the cars. they arent even CLOSE in what they are. The Mazdaspeed is a budget boy racer car. the volvo is an economically priced businessman's weekend toy/commuter.

Neither are **** cars, but the volvo has a level of quality that you wont find in the originally 22k ms3, esp when it comes to overall fit and finish.

[300zx_tt]

mattbear
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=283604167&dealer_id=100005154&car_year=2004&rdm=1281652741343&lastStartYear=1981&model=S60&num_records=100&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=88727&showZipError=n&make=VOLVO&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=19446&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=Manual&max_price=14000&cardist=229&standard=false

[fightinchunk]

absolutely DO NOT get an 04 R, insane problems with the angle gear itself and the collar on the output shaft going into the angle gear that gets sucked into the 6spd and destroys everything. unless you have an insane amount of money to fix a car like this. the haldex on this system isn't a true version 4 transversely mounted haldex system that is found on the r32/tt, it's just plain ****. just search "angle gear" on any volvo forum and you'll understand why.

don't get me wrong, I love my volvo's... i have 3 of the damn things. I have both my t5 and my s60 2.5t which comes with the detuned version of the R engine(except with a td04 13t) and same exact awd from the R. If anything, get a T5. same 2.5 turbo 5cylnder and no awd.

my two newer vulvas
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1103/755376529_ac944ec601_b.jpg

[Whitekryptonit3]

Is this it??

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;jsessionid=LB2pKWtN1Zm5pxrTwvNQQn0?tab= photos&paId=347017718&recnum=&listingId=40472917&paId=347017718&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3d13000%26sf1Dir%3dDESC%26prMn%3d0%2 6alMdId%3d21492%26mkId%3d20073%26stkTyp%3dU%26mdId %3d21492%26rd%3d75%26crSrtFlds%3dstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice%26zc%3d19422%26rn%3d0%26PMmt%3d1-1-0%26stkTypId%3d28881%26sf2Dir%3dASC%26sf1Nm%3dpric e%26sf2Nm%3dmiles%26alMkId%3d20073%26rpp%3d50%26fe edSegId%3d28705&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&aff=national

Go to CT and get this guy:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=42112131&listingRecNum=0&criteria=prMx%3D13000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%2 6alMdId%3D21916%26mkId%3D20044%26mlgMx%3D90000%26s tkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21916%26rd%3D150%26crSrtFlds%3D stkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-pseudoYear-pseudoMileage-transTypeId%26zc%3D19422%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26yrMn%3D2004%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26yrMx%3D2004%26al MkId%3D20044%26transTypeId%3D28112%26rpp%3D50%26fe edSegId%3D28705&aff=national


NEVER EVER BUY FROM AUTOTECH................I live in stamford and they are a hack shop and sell **** cars that have nothing but problems with them....

[mckpat03]

absolutely DO NOT get an 04 R, insane problems with the angle gear itself and the collar on the output shaft going into the angle gear that gets sucked into the 6spd and destroys everything. unless you have an insane amount of money to fix a car like this. the haldex on this system isn't a true version 4 transversely mounted haldex system that is found on the r32/tt, it's just plain ****. just search "angle gear" on any volvo forum and you'll understand why.


This. I read up on it pretty extensively a while back, but I didn't want to go spouting off statements that could be potentially false. Like he said though, check out the Volvo forums and you'll find all the info you need about it.

[300zx_tt]

is it only the 04's that have the problems? or is it just a common problem that the r's have? what can you do to fix it? and nice volvo's btw haha i have headlight wipers too :banana:

absolutely DO NOT get an 04 R, insane problems with the angle gear itself and the collar on the output shaft going into the angle gear that gets sucked into the 6spd and destroys everything. unless you have an insane amount of money to fix a car like this. the haldex on this system isn't a true version 4 transversely mounted haldex system that is found on the r32/tt, it's just plain ****. just search "angle gear" on any volvo forum and you'll understand why.

don't get me wrong, I love my volvo's... i have 3 of the damn things. I have both my t5 and my s60 2.5t which comes with the detuned version of the R engine(except with a td04 13t) and same exact awd from the R. If anything, get a T5. same 2.5 turbo 5cylnder and no awd.

my two newer vulvas
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1103/755376529_ac944ec601_b.jpg

[C-bass]

MS3... more comfortable i dont care what anyone says... may be just my opinion but my MS3 is so comfortable the seats arent stiff as rocks and it gets up and goes when i want it too... its practical and when underboost its good on gas. never had a problem with snow (i do better than my girlfriends keep. its sad) and if you look in the right place you can get decently cheap parts for it.

its all about the $ in the long run... and can that volvo fit 2 bikes 3 tvs and 2 microwaves... easily? probably not haha

[Diablo2424]

I don't have any personal experience with either, but my friends do. After speaking with them about their cars, my one friend had a 12 second Buick Regal GSX, sold it bought an S60R, and absolutely hated everything about it. He said the AWD system was horrible, the trans sucked and the car just wasn't what you'd expect from a Volvo with an "R" badge on it. Not to mention it was SUPER expensive to maintain and repair.

Another one of my friends, also into cars, has an MS3, he absolutely loves it. I asked him what he thought about the MS6 (I'm hopefully going to be getting one soon, I like the sedan look/bigger size more than the hatchback, and he highly recommended it. Both car's were/are daily driver's and after hearing the guy complain daily about the S60R, and the other brag about how much he loves his MS3, it's a clear winner to me.

[mx931]

MS3... more comfortable i dont care what anyone says... may be just my opinion but my MS3 is so comfortable the seats arent stiff as rocks and it gets up and goes when i want it too... its practical and when underboost its good on gas. never had a problem with snow (i do better than my girlfriends keep. its sad) and if you look in the right place you can get decently cheap parts for it.

its all about the $ in the long run... and can that volvo fit 2 bikes 3 tvs and 2 microwaves... easily? probably not haha

Agreed on everything, i have yet to regret getting the ms3, and i could have gotten many other cars from bmws, subarus to anything.....drove them all, the ms3 always had me comfortably on the tip of my seat. I have owned it since april and it has not givin me a single problem nor have i got bored of it.

The whole boost comment.....very true......but we discussed this, good luck keeping it under boost too much fun :rotfl:

I say ms3 though man, there really arent any negatives to it its a sports car and a more then comfortable dd.

good luck man, btw i have an '07 with 62k....zero problems. (knock on wood)

[300zx_tt]

im use to the volvo room and options and im 6'4'' and have sat in a regular 3 sedan but not the speed3 or even a regular hatch will i have enough head/ leg room i know i didnt in the 3 sedan. according to edmunds.com the volvo has an inch of head room and like 3 more inches of shoulder room compared to the speed 3. and i read that its impossible to get the gas mileage it says you will unless you drive like a 70 year old man, and i have lead foot to the extreme so ill get like 12mpg haha

[mx931]

you'll have more then enough room i think....and yea i mean its not that hard ive gotten that gas milege its just tough cause you have the power. i mean in my opinion there 2 totally different cars...

[MTuning]

The Speed3 seats are height adjustable.

[300zx_tt]

anyone my height or close to it even been in one? i geuss i just have to go down and check it out myself lol

[mx931]

dude its a hatch back like a big car not a ****in miata with a hard top hahahaha

[jnr5005]

If u didn't fit in a regular 3 you're not going to fit in a speed3 lol. Ms6 has a sunroof u could stick your head out.

[gotvtec?]

Get a honda fit

[AxelaChic]

im use to the volvo room and options and im 6'4'' and have sat in a regular 3 sedan but not the speed3 or even a regular hatch will i have enough head/ leg room i know i didnt in the 3 sedan. according to edmunds.com the volvo has an inch of head room and like 3 more inches of shoulder room compared to the speed 3. and i read that its impossible to get the gas mileage it says you will unless you drive like a 70 year old man, and i have lead foot to the extreme so ill get like 12mpg haha

My brother is 6'2 and fits fine in my Speed3. Also, on the highway I get about 300 miles to the tank and around town is a little over 200. So you don't get bad gas mileage, and believe me I have a lead foot haha. I say go for the Mazda.. but then again I'd never buy a European car.

[18psiWhiteMS3]

i love my ms3, funnest car i have driven but then again im near 400 whp

[fightinchunk]

i don't care what anyone says... the volvo will be hands down a million times more comfortable than the ms3. the seats are industry leading, light years ahead of even mercedes benz in terms of ergonomics.

the volvo has it's problems... but so does the ms3... and I'm a mazda service advisor lol. do you know how many ****ed up mzr's we have to send back to mazda right now? u try going to a mazda dealership other than mine and your going to have to go through a gaunlet to get your **** warrantied. volvo... on the other hand has CSI and is really dependent on anyone that has had warranty ticket billed out... meaning the customer has to be 100 percent happy or you and the tech that worked on the car is not getting a csi bonus. volvo will warranty your engine no problem if you get a R new enough. mazda on the other hand.... no bueno.

if space/verstality is an issue... then get the V70R. I love the looks on peoples faces after they get their asses handed to them by a wagon lol.

just stay the **** away from 04's period. if your getting auto get 05 or up, if manual 06 and up.

[AxelaChic]

I havent had any problems with my Mazda. This is my 2nd one, my first was an 04 mazda3 and now I have the 07 Speed3. I've never really heard of too many problems with them and mazda has never given me any problems with my warranties.

[300zx_tt]

If u didn't fit in a regular 3 you're not going to fit in a speed3 lol. Ms6 has a sunroof u could stick your head out.

thank you, haha i was lookin at that but too pricey find a low mileage one for me hahaha lol

[300zx_tt]

i don't care what anyone says... the volvo will be hands down a million times more comfortable than the ms3. the seats are industry leading, light years ahead of even mercedes benz in terms of ergonomics.

the volvo has it's problems... but so does the ms3... and I'm a mazda service advisor lol. do you know how many ****ed up mzr's we have to send back to mazda right now? u try going to a mazda dealership other than mine and your going to have to go through a gaunlet to get your **** warrantied. volvo... on the other hand has CSI and is really dependent on anyone that has had warranty ticket billed out... meaning the customer has to be 100 percent happy or you and the tech that worked on the car is not getting a csi bonus. volvo will warranty your engine no problem if you get a R new enough. mazda on the other hand.... no bueno.

if space/verstality is an issue... then get the V70R. I love the looks on peoples faces after they get their asses handed to them by a wagon lol.

just stay the **** away from 04's period. if your getting auto get 05 or up, if manual 06 and up.

yeah id go for the manual but i cant find an 06 in my range they are too much money

[jnr5005]

thank you, haha i was lookin at that but too pricey find a low mileage one for me hahaha lol

I was joking dude driving with your head out the sunroof would be a pain. What would u do when it rained? lol Just go test drive a Ms3 already. I remember ur last thread about trying to buy a Ms3. U shouldn't have trouble finding a nice Ms6 or Ms3 for $13k if ur willing to travel and be patient.

[twastheglow]

It sounds like you need to be comparing '05+ R's with the MS3. There is NO point in looking into a car that has the same documented problem with many people...unless of course you have the $$ time and knowledge on how to correct the issue before it becomes a problem. But why get yourself into that unless you're dead set on buying the car...which you're obviously not or this thread wouldn't exist. The cost of parts/maintenance plays a roll, but you need to expect higher maintenance costs with higher end vehicles. And it sounds like you have experience with that being a current Volvo owner. Bottom line, you need to test drive each car. I mean, you're considering buying a car that you've never even sat in let alone driven. That's crazy to me! I certainly wouldn't marry some bitch I've never dug out. Got it? *wink*

[mx931]

imo your still comparing two different cars aka this is pointless....too many things to each side

[300zx_tt]

I was joking dude driving with your head out the sunroof would be a pain. What would u do when it rained? lol Just go test drive a Ms3 already. I remember ur last thread about trying to buy a Ms3. U shouldn't have trouble finding a nice Ms6 or Ms3 for $13k if ur willing to travel and be patient.
haha i know, i have been looking and i have been patient ill keep looking

It sounds like you need to be comparing '05+ R's with the MS3. There is NO point in looking into a car that has the same documented problem with many people...unless of course you have the $$ time and knowledge on how to correct the issue before it becomes a problem. But why get yourself into that unless you're dead set on buying the car...which you're obviously not or this thread wouldn't exist. The cost of parts/maintenance plays a roll, but you need to expect higher maintenance costs with higher end vehicles. And it sounds like you have experience with that being a current Volvo owner. Bottom line, you need to test drive each car. I mean, you're considering buying a car that you've never even sat in let alone driven. That's crazy to me! I certainly wouldn't marry some bitch I've never dug out. Got it? *wink*
yeah i know what your sayin, i have driven the s60r before but it was an auto and it was an 06

imo your still comparing two different cars aka this is pointless....too many things to each side

comparing pros, cons, performance and styling of two different cars is pointless? thats what this website is for..... to talk about cars. you're dumb with out this thread i wouldnt have known about the 04's angle gear issues

[jnr5005]

http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101901 Really clean Ms6 in the best color for $15k

[MPowerKai]

I haven't had any problems with my 04 s60r, my angle gear is as dry as the sahara. It's got close to 80k on it now and no problems. The angle gear can also be resealed. Most of the S60R's I have encountered don't have too many problems. However if a problem should arise it's not going to be cheap.

If you decide to get the S60R see if they have service records, bring it to a dealer for a PPI, bring it to me for a PPI, or any other volvo specialist with a VIDA.

[boosted R]

I have a 07 Ti Grey R and I love the car. I went with the car i have now because its different and you don't see it often. Almost everywhere i look i see a ms3. Don't get me wrong, ms3's are awesome but what do you think would be more unique, modding a ms3 or modding a volvo? I'm all about being different and having something that not a lot of people have. If I were you i would get either a 06 or a 07 R. The 04's have a few problems like the angle gear for example. There's a few things that volvo changed from 04 to 07. Just google it and you'll see. My car hasn't gave me any serious problems. The haldex awd system is okay, the seats are extremely comfortable, the advanced 4C suspension is awesome. Maintenance does get to be a little pricey, but if you stay on top of things you shouldn't have a problem. It's a fun car to drive and I love it. Sure does turn heads when people see it.

If i were you test drive both cars and see which one you like best.

[FocusDude]

This is one hell of a decision, I want both, badly.

I think I would end up with a MS3, but I would regret buying a s60r

[boosted R]

This is one hell of a decision, I want both, badly.

I think I would end up with a MS3, but I would regret buying a s60r

Well look at it this way, which one you think would be more funner in the snow? lol

[mx931]

they make 5,000 ms3's a year....i see mine and maybe one more a day....just saying there kinda rare, but i agree the volvo is something different.

when you drive the car youll get that feeling and know which one to pick

[18psiWhiteMS3]

i almost NEVER see any ms3's around

[boosted R]

Well I guess it all depends where you live. I know at least 7 different people that own a ms3. And I see a few more around all the time. I ran a few ms3s before and they are pretty quick. Love the way they shoot flames out lol.

[mx931]

yea like idk where that comment came from, where i live i see more gt-r's, m3's sti's, maseratis anything.....but speed3s? na

[boosted R]

Up by where I work I see ferrari's, R8's, vipers and a few other exotic cars like their hondas. Crazy how location changes everything

[09Speed3Z]

I've got a reason why you should go MS3....

Join Mazdaspeedforums.org and then try to find a better all around VOLVO forum. Fail.

MS3 all the way.......then again.....Im partial

[telopyros]

still have to say mazda speed6

[18psiWhiteMS3]

depends on weather he wants to be faster from a dig or a roll

[mx931]

Up by where I work I see ferrari's, R8's, vipers and a few other exotic cars like their hondas. Crazy how location changes everything

I live in upper makefield and its a pretty wealthy area, and i dont see those cars like hondas....where do you work....kind of a strange comment but id be down to visit where you work if thats true but ah

[Supraru]

I live in upper makefield and its a pretty wealthy area, and i dont see those cars like hondas....where do you work....kind of a strange comment but id be down to visit where you work if thats true but ah

I live in montgomery county, work in deleware county which is 2 out of 4 richest counties in all of Pa. I've seen only a handful of MS3's in every day driving. Same thing with the volvo S60Rs. Actually more that I think about it I'd say I've seen more S60R's then MS3's in normal everyday driving then MS3's. I feel pretty comfortable saying that. :lol:

That being said both cars have their issues. Don't know if the year you're looking at MS3 is one of those that had turbo seal issues or if they even corrected it. I'm sure the MS3 guys know better then me but I heard about a lot of problems with that with some minor bolt ons.

I'd say MS3 over the Volvo any day of the week. You're still young have some fun. Save the older persons car for when you're planning a family.

[mx931]

most of the turbo seal problems are taken care of with recall, i went a mazda dealer today had them run the vin and look for recalls. everything has been taken care of and they said it happened on very few cars and that almost all of them are taking care of.
ms3 man you wont regret, i drove rx8s, m3's, wrxs tons of cars, i got outta the speed3 and had goosebumps. it will do the same to you ask any mspeed owner

[boosted R]

I live in upper makefield and its a pretty wealthy area, and i dont see those cars like hondas....where do you work....kind of a strange comment but id be down to visit where you work if thats true but ah

I work in east Hanover nj. It's right by Livingston, short hills, florham park, millburn area. Wealthy areas for sure.

[TR MS3]

I love my ms3 thus far, 41,XXX DD mile and no problems. The volvo seem to have a great track record for some high mile engines. There is a ms3 with +80,XXX bolted on MSF with no issues. I'd say drive them both and go from there.

[300zx_tt]

okay im extending the search to ms6's. any one have another comperable car to add to the list?

[Diablo2424]

My choices are in this order(out of the three you have listed so far):
1) MS6
2) MS3
3) S60R

[300zx_tt]

the cheapest ms6's i have found are for like 14k with 50k miles on them. anyone on mazda forums or know any good ones?

[telopyros]

Woooooo ms6

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[1FastBrick]

No offense to anyone, but the OP imo needs to do the individual UN-BIASED research on his own.

All the people i know with newer Mazda's like them, but at the same time are always breaking down.

The angle gear issue IIRC was not a problem on just the S60R as the V70R shares the same drivetrain. This repair is costly yes, but taking the time to find an S60R taken care of by a volvo enthusiast will save you many headaches. Also, I believe this issue was more relevant when beating on the AWD (i.e. high RPM launches, attempted powerslides, etc..)

The quality of the S60R is spectacular, the interior feels luxurious and not cheap like the MS3. The seats are some of the most comfortable I've sat in, and making power on these volvo's is quite easy with simple exhaust, intake, and ECU upgrades.

[Supraru]

No offense to anyone, but the OP imo needs to do the individual UN-BIASED research on his own.

All the people i know with newer Mazda's like them, but at the same time are always breaking down.

The angle gear issue IIRC was not a problem on just the S60R as the V70R shares the same drivetrain. This repair is costly yes, but taking the time to find an S60R taken care of by a volvo enthusiast will save you many headaches. Also, I believe this issue was more relevant when beating on the AWD (i.e. high RPM launches, attempted powerslides, etc..)

The quality of the S60R is spectacular, the interior feels luxurious and not cheap like the MS3. The seats are some of the most comfortable I've sat in, and making power on these volvo's is quite easy with simple exhaust, intake, and ECU upgrades.

What's wrong with asking car enthusiasts on their opinion? Hell now he knows some of the things to look for when he's looking at some possible cars that could be by a private seller.

But back to something that generally makes me laugh about these type of threads, the guys who own Mazda's usually say get the Mazda and they always know people with Volvo's who have nothing but issues. Then you get the Volvo guys that come in and say all my friends break their Mazda's and their Vovlo's are great. :lol:

[300zx_tt]

What's wrong with asking car enthusiasts on their opinion? Hell now he knows some of the things to look for when he's looking at some possible cars that could be by a private seller.

But back to something that generally makes me laugh about these type of threads, the guys who own Mazda's usually say get the Mazda and they always know people with Volvo's who have nothing but issues. Then you get the Volvo guys that come in and say all my friends break their Mazda's and their Vovlo's are great. :lol:

haha yeah i noticed the same thing im just gonna go drive all 3 of them and what ever i like best ill try to finance reasonably haha

[twastheglow]

Have you really not tested drove these cars yet? It's been over a week slacker!

[300zx_tt]

haha well i go to work every day except sunday and wed. so i have only really had one oppertunity to go out and after a couple of long days work its hard to go spend the money you worked your ass off to get hahaha ill get to it eventually im in no rush tho im being patient and im gonna wait for the right one :thumbup:

[R22B]

Volvo is the leader in safety and ergonomics so you most likely wont find a safer car or one that is more comfortable.

With that being said, Volvo's are also quite expensive to fix if something goes wrong. They are stupid reliable, especially the older ones, but the newer ones will cost a bit to repair. The only Volvo I've been in was a 740 and to be honest - it was pretty damn kick ass.

However, Mazda's are fun to drive. Sure, they may be FWD or RWD with the occasional AWD thrown in, but they are fun. I wouldn't consider Mazda parts super expensive (my OE endlinks on my MX3 cost $40/each, however the seatbelt sensor cost $340) but my beater is a 92 MX3. Even though the car is 18 years old, has 140k miles on it, it starts up every day and I drive it 60 miles a day.

I don't know your money situation, but if you're young, I'd go with the MS3. There is a lot more aftermarket support and from my knowledge, there are more communities out there. However, I know Volvo tuning is pretty kickass and they can be stupid fast.

If I had the choice and if FWD/RWD/AWD didn't matter, I'd go for the MS3. If luxury and uniqueness mattered, go with the Volvo. To be honest, you can't go wrong either way.

One of my favorite Volvo's is an S40

[boosted R]

Mazda does have more aftermarket options. Aftermarket companies for volvo over the years have been growing. Which is good. Of course there isn't going to be a lot of communities out there like mazda has. If you start modding your volvo you will notice that aftermarket parts are going to be more expensive. For example, I paid about $600 for my tune. Mind you that was in a group buy. Regular price goes for $895. Reason being is because there isn't a high demand for aftermarket parts for a volvo compared to bmw for example, you can get a juice box tune for around $350 i believe. If you plan on modding the car if you go with the R, keep that in mind. But what makes it so fun is that its unique and not a lot of people mod a volvo. If I didn't work for a volvo dealership then I probably wouldn't of gotten the car. Certain things i get hookups for and the techs are very helpful when i need advice or just need help installing something. Everyone tells me how comfortable my seats are and that the leg room in the back sucks lol. But i don't care, i'm 20 yrs old. Not like i'm married and have a family lol. But just look at it in the long run and view the whole picture of you in each car.

[300zx_tt]

thanks guys alot of helpful and knowlegable people on here... really apreciate it

[300zx_tt]

finally drove all 3 of them speed3 is a little small but w.e. its between the s60r or ms6 really. volvo is just on another level with the interior and exterior styling tho the s60r was an auto so idk about thier manuals? but judging on my car now and the quality of the s60r it should be good

[aaronnn]

i don't care what anyone says... the volvo will be hands down a million times more comfortable than the ms3. the seats are industry leading, light years ahead of even mercedes benz in terms of ergonomics.

the volvo has it's problems... but so does the ms3... and I'm a mazda service advisor lol. do you know how many ****ed up mzr's we have to send back to mazda right now? u try going to a mazda dealership other than mine and your going to have to go through a gaunlet to get your **** warrantied. volvo... on the other hand has CSI and is really dependent on anyone that has had warranty ticket billed out... meaning the customer has to be 100 percent happy or you and the tech that worked on the car is not getting a csi bonus. volvo will warranty your engine no problem if you get a R new enough. mazda on the other hand.... no bueno.

if space/verstality is an issue... then get the V70R. I love the looks on peoples faces after they get their asses handed to them by a wagon lol.

just stay the **** away from 04's period. if your getting auto get 05 or up, if manual 06 and up.

hi sam!

anyways OP, listen to this guy.. he works for mazda/nissan so he knows the problems with MZR's but he also owns two volvos as well, so hes been through all the troubles of owning one.

so here's me now putting in my input.. what's wrong with an 02-03 wrx? all wheel drive, turbo, cheap aftermarket.. yes its fit and finish is underneath that of the ms3, and no where near the comfort levels of the volvo, but hey, its an all-year round fun car.

[1FastBrick]

I have a pretty decent amount of experience with Volvos I'd say. My family has owned 5:
'95 850 GLT
'96 850 Turbo
'98, '99, and '00 S70 (two N/A's and a low pressure turbo "GLT")

I've done various repairs on these cars and can say they are relatively simple to work on with the exception of the MAF on the '00 which is a POS Ford part. And on the reliability? Well our '95 850 GLT was driven back and forth from Allentown, PA to Durham, NC on at least 8 occasions and had 186k approx. when a work truck barrelled into it going 45mph. My '98 S70 is currently at ~140k and has yet to have a single problem, only had to change the timing belt cause it was due.