I know this is a biased group but I need some advice. I am currently leasing a 06 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Quattro with a 6 Spd MT. I really love the car. My lease is up in a few months and I will be considering a host of cars with AWD and MT:

1. Another A4 Avant
2. BMW 328Xi Wagon
3. Subaru Outback 2.5XT
4. Volvo V50

I like the idea of the Volvo because my company gets fleet deals with Ford products, and I have always liked Volvos. I guess my concern mostly lies with realiability. Even though Audis are not known to be the most problem-free, I have had ZERO problems with the two I have owned.

Another issue is availability...How easy is it to find a MT T5 AWD?

Would you buy another one? What is your favorite aspect of the car vs least favorite?

I appreciate the feedback. I am sure you are all busy people, but, since you are on this forum, I expect you are a Volvo enthusiast and enjoy talking about your ride.

THANKS!!!

I would say it depends on what is important to you. If drive is number one, try the AWD T50 and the BMW and go from there.

I have a V50T5 and a BMW 325i. Both have sport packages. The drive of the BWM is more sporty and tight as compared to the V50. The V50 is FWD only and I wish that I got AWD which I am sure would improve the drive considerably (you would not get the pulled around feeling). Also, off the line with the V50, it is easy to spin the wheels FWD only.

I have had no problems with either car. I prefer the V50 for the space. I compared it to the bimmer wagon and there is more in the V50. The V50 sits higher and is a rugged car.

Bottom line, decide on what is most important and go from there. But BMW is truely the ultimate driving machine....

I just re-read your note (we can't see it when we reply), it seems that your main issue is reliability. Volvo cars are bullet proof. I remember reading that the longest running car (most miles) is a Volvo. I have a friend who has one with 600,000 miles and it is still running great. He is a drive it until it dies owner. He said "it just won't die".

I suspect that you were lucky with your Audi's from what I hear/heard but I have no personal experience.

One more thing, if you do go V50, get the T5. The power is night and day for the extra $ you won't be sorry. Also, Volvo has been building turbo's for decades and have perfected the design with water coolers, no maintenance, cool down periods of the past.

I hope this help....

I have owned a new V50 T5 AWD six-speed manual for six months now after owning a BMW. At this stage I would highly recommend this version. The gearchange is light and precise with a light smooth clutch and plenty of gutsy torque from the engine. There is never any traction problems with the AWD and the steering is free of torque-steer with a handy tight turning circle. The passenger and luggage space are comparable with the Audi & BMW and the safety is first class. The optional upgraded sound system would be hard to beat.

The problems that other V50 forum uses have mentioned now seem to have been largely corrected by Volvo. This is one benefit of not buying any new model until it has been on sale for at least a couple of years. I would also advise against tampering with any of the electrical circuits unless you are an electronics and computer genius. If you need any electrical options, make sure they are fitted at the factory!

If you are happy with Audi, stick with them. I looked at way overpriced Audis and BMWs before getting the V50. I probably would have bought the Audi, but the dealer would not budge on the sticker price! Have had zero reliability issues. You might want to consider the Overseas Delivery program Volvo has. Approx 8% off the sticker plus other incentives, and they fly you(and guest) to Europe for FREE to pick it up. We spent 2 weeks driving our new V50 around Europe and the car was shipped to us back home as part of the deal!
BTW you will be hard pressed to find a 6 speed manual at the dealer, V50 manuals are rare in the USA. Overseas Delivery allows you to order your car EXACTLY the way you want it!

I switched from Audi Avant 1.8T to Volvo V50 2.4 two years ago. I like both cars but have noticed Audi has a sharper handling then Volvo (quicker steering). Here are my comments for different considerations:
* Handling: BMW 328
* Built Quality: Audi Avant
* The Look: Volvo V50
* Budget: Volvo V50
* Aftermarket Mods: Audi Avant
Hope this is helpful.