Have had car a month after driving two CLK convertibles over six years costing minimum of $12,000 more. Only difference --CLKs ride less harshly. On the other hand, am getting almost 8 MPG more w/Volvo. Car very subtle. Rear view mirror tells you your compass reading, for example. Stuff opens and shuts with soft clicks. Admire the car's esthetics. Dash and interior stripped of all but necessities. Controls intuitive. Navigation system pops up and in direct sunlight hard to read. Also, tried driving from Pasadena CA to Claremont and system had no idea how to get me there. Stereo upgrade unnecessary as standard system superior to one in 2005 CLK. What I like best is having a unique car that gets wonderful gas mileage, close to 30MPG on highway and close to 20 around town. Also got $11,000 off sticker on lease. Will keep three years and likely buy as residuals are, unlike those with BMW, reasonable.

My wife and I chose the Volvo C70 in magic blue metallic after more than a month of debating between this and the BMW 328i. We were finally able to get a fully loaded Volvo C70 for $10k off msrp towards a lease and that is one reason choosing the Volvo. The other reason is that where we live in Southern California everyone and you know who have BMW's, Mercedes, and Audi's. The Volvo is distinctly different with its stylish good looks top up or down and is rarely seen even in the car capital of the world, which is definitely a refreshing change here. We took our new Volvo in its' first week and drove to the eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas to view the autumn colors. The car performed very well in passing acceleration, high elevation operation at 9500 ft.+, and was a joy to drive in the moutains with the top down. The Bi-Xenon lights are a huge plus for night driving and the DynAudio system is fantastic even with the top down at 70mph. This car is not quite as spunky in off the line performance and handling as the 328i with the performance package but, it is just about as capable, and we are not racing anyone. If you want a nice luxury hardtop convertible and would like to separate yourself from the norm I would recommend the C70. We are very happy with our new Volvo C70.

So I have about 1200 miles on my C70. I got rid of my BMW325iC and Seville. I live in New England and wanted one car and had to have a convertible. The C70 was the best answer (my demographic could not put me in a VW EOS & BMW is rear wheel drive). I had originally purchased a '08 but had some trouble with the retractable hard top upon delivery. Volvo NA could not figure out what was wrong so they gave me a '09. The dealer and Volvo were super from a customer service standpoint but I worry about the long term reliability of the top. The car is great. I am 6'4" and it is fine. The seats are supportive. I got the wind screen and that helps with noise. Bluetooth is standard on the '09 and it is very nice. The car looks great and performance is acceptable. Top down enjoyment is excellent. Not a BMW but it does not pretend to be one. Hope it is good in snow. Keyless entry should be standard. Really does the key need to be as big as a side of beef!