DriveTech

2005 Certified Used Volvo S40 T5 saves buyer money

With 2006 just around the corner, the '06 vehicles are showing up by the truckload. So if you're in the market for a new car, this is the time to consider buying new or used. Prices on used cars are very competitive and there are some great deals out there.

If I were looking for a used car, such as a 2005 Volvo S40, and couldn't afford a new Volvo, then a certified Volvo would be my next choice. I like certified used vehicles because they're the cream of the crop when it comes to used cars. Carlsbad Volvo runs all its used Volvos through an extensive 130-point inspection process. If for any reason the car doesn't pass all 130 points with flying colors, it's rejected and sent to an auction or some little used car lot.

Dealers require the car to pass a 130-point inspection because they then offer the new owner coverage up to six years and 100,000 miles with no deductible. That includes 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption, a rental car when it is in the dealership service department and a trip planning service.

I test drove a certified used 2005 Volvo S40 T5 from Carlsbad Volvo. It has less than 7,000 miles on the odometer and costs $4,500 less than a new 2005 model. And you can't tell this car has any miles on it at all.

The Volvo S40 T5 has every bell and whistle, starting with a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged, all-aluminum engine that produces 218-horsepower and 5,000 rpm and 236 pounds foot of torque at 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. That's backed by a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission that can be shifted manually if needed.

This test vehicle is painted flint gray metallic and has a gray interior. The seats are very comfortable and easily adjust electronically. It also has the softest headrest I have ever put my head on. The dash is simple and easy to read in day or night lighting. The information center is controlled by a stalk that comes out of the left side of the steering wheel. One thing that really stands out is how everything is within easy reach. There's no hunting or looking for controls that open the fuel door or trunk. Even adjusting the climate controls is a breeze and the stock sound system is excellent.

Since this car has a turbocharger, it can easily handle the roads. It also has a tuned suspension at all four corners, 17-inch Sagitta Alloy wheels, independent suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, four-wheel power ventilated disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assistance and speed dependent power assisted electro-hydraulic rack and pinion steering. In short, this car can really handle the twisties.

The back seat is also very comfortable and splits 60/40 for added storage. The trunk is already a good size, but flip the seats down and you have a massive storage area. Just behind the radio and climate control (see photo)
there's another storage area that held my junk quite well.

The windows were all power and the outside mirrors are heated in the case you head to the cold country. The turn signals are imbedded in the outside mirrors to let folks behind you know where you're going. To add to its driving

comfort, you can tilt and telescope the steering wheel, which is leather wrapped.

Safety is Volvo's middle name, so there are a lot of safety features integrated into this car. But one thing that stands out is the use of different types of metals that bend and fold at different strengths. Carlsbad Volvo has a chart on the wall that explains this process in color.

There is a lot more about this Volvo worth mentioning, but space is limited. So take a ride over to Carlsbad Volvo on the west side of I-5, just off Palomar Airport Road. The address is 6830 Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. Or call (760) 931-7100.

If you're interested in a Volvo and can't afford new one, check out stock No. 12832 and tell them I sent you!