My apologizes for the redundant post.

Ok, here is the deal. My Explorer is due to be turned in August 6th. I was Looking at Sport Wagon's, New Explorer's, Envoy's, Volvo's and just about anything that would be just as roomy as my Explorer but w/ better gas millage. Unfortunately, leases on practical fuel efficient cars really started to look very very unattractive. I'm suppose to pickup an Envoy tomorrow for $306 for 24 month lease. Just as nice as my explorer however I really don't want an SUV.

Today, I Talked to my Volvo Saleslady today and She can get me a GREAT DEAL on a V50 for $325/month for 3 years. Brilliant Blue, Black T-Tec seats, i5 Engine and Weather Package.

We have a 15 month old child and we are looking for something slightly bigger seeing my wife drives a Jetta. First off, we wanted a V70 but the payments were just too high. Second of all, I haven't driven a V50 yet but the S60 seemed a little cramped in the back seat. Thirst of all, with a baby seat will two smaller woman be able to sit back there somewhat comfortable? Also, my wife is about 5' 1" and she didn't really like the headrest on the seat. Is this adjustable? Is there a way for her to be comfortable in these seats?

This is more of what I want. However, I'm a little concerned w/ size. I also need to make a quick decision if I want this. Another concern is that even though I lease though ford motor credit which is the same as Volvo Credit. However, they are saying that I will need a security deposit. Another concern, is that they are giving me so many rebates I have about $450 in taxes...

Does anyone have photos of their brilliant blue v50?

I'm very close to canceling my deal on my Envoy. I just really don't want another gas hog but I need some room. Like I said, is the V50 roomy enough? Would the V50 be a better replacement for my wife's jetta next year? Other options is for me to order a Ford Edge or Wait for a good deal on a Pacifica, Freestyle or possible a Minivan and just extend my lease.

Oh, and no AUX input huh?

How fast is the inline 5 cylinder without the turbo?

Thanks for the input... I defiantly need some quick feedback.

Bill

OK, I have driven the s40 (V50) in a straight 5, and have the turbo.

On performance, it is still a quick car without the turbo, and handles brilliantly. The turbo takes it up another notch, for sure, but I wouldnt knock back the standard one. They have adaptive gears (at least in the turbo) so that it changes to suit the way that you drive.

I would have thought that you would always struggle getting 2 adults and a child in the back of any small/medium sized car. Ours is fine for 2 kids (10 and 7) and their odds and ends, but I wouldnt want 3 people in the back for any long distances.

Good luck with it...

Thanks... I'm thinking that the V70 is a better choice for a family...

We have the V50 - T5 and it goes like a crazy – a fantastic drivers car.
As far as I see you can't adjust the headrests - but then I haven't wanted or needed to ( for the front seats)
We have a baby chair in the back and as I am tall ( 6"2) it needs to be behind the passenger seat due to limited room for the baby’s feet when inclined. This means that the front seat passenger has to shift forward slightly. There is limited space for a passenger behind the drivers seat when I'm driving so it isn’t ideal if you are tall. When my wife drives then 2 adult passengers will fit with a baby seat but I also would not recommend this over a longer distance.
As we are in South Africa and we do not get any of the other vehicles you mentioned I cannot give you a comparison - except that I too would like to upgrade to the VX70 or even VX90 simply for the increased space in the back seats.
The car seems to be extremely safe so I am very happy for my wife to use it for her and the kids. The only problem I have is that she continuously want to race me in my 330 Ci and beats me most of the time !!!
We have a Charcoal grey one – can’t help with pictures then.
Aux Input ??? – No idea.

I hope this helped and good luck with what you decide.

Well, we backed out of the Envoy... Drove a Pontiac Torrent... However, the Torrent's seat fabric sucked... So, we asked him to find one w/ the same features but w/ leather (and we don't care if we have leather but that material was kind of crappie). But, as of Monday the price goes up.
So, we might just extend our lease.

We are heading to the Volvo Dealer today with our baby seat to see "IF" we think a V50 is suited for our family of 3 with the occasional cramming of 2 extra people.

At that time, I will be asking about 2-3 year old V70's w/ Turbo's and to keep me in the loop. I will also be hoping that Pacifica's, Freestyle's and other slightly larger vehicles w/ better gas millage than Envoy's and Explorer's will come my way w/ a good price.

Thanks for the input.

Bill

Drove the V50 and I think there is plenty of room in there for my wife and kid w/ an occational 1-2 people in the back. Very nice car. Not a rocket but pretty quick. I'm going to see if I can negotiate a little bit today on what they need from me when I pickup the car and the security deposit.

I'm also going to call Saab to get pricing on a 9-3 Sportcombi and VW to get Jetta Wagon's priced out.

Bill

I looked into the Saab as well. Although it is a nice car, it was more expensive than the V50. Mind you, it was like the V50 with the optional package, to compare apples to apples.

Only thing is, that I have not heard as many good things about the Saab as I have about the Volvo. This is what drove my decision to go Volvo.... also the 0.6% lease financing didn't hurt either.

Another option is the Subaru Outback. I used to have one and it was great. Just that their financing wasn't as attractive.

The VW Passat wagon would be another good option for you for space over the Jetta.

Cheers.

Brian

VW Passat Wagon's are leasing pretty high and they don't have ton's out there yet. They are very nice though.