Hi,

My current car (2002 Daewoo) is at 87k mi and appears as if its going to implode any day now , so I am taking my sweet time researching possible options. As part of the research here I am, because the C30/S40/V50 obviously an option (S40 being strongest contender of the 3 Volvos).

Here's the bit about me:
Budget: $20k (+/- a bit as needed)

Currently Considering:
2010 Mazda3 S Hatchback -- Should be reasonably cheap to buy and cheap to maintain, and quite fun to drive.
2010 VW Golf (2 or 4dr) -- More pricey to buy and maintain than the 3, but somehow still has strong appeal.
(used) 08/09 Volvo S40 (or maybe V50 or C30 but much less likely) -- Gonna run about $18k for a decent car, but will probably need extended warranty (so still about $20k to buy).
(used) 08/09 Saab 9-3 2.0T (maybe SportCombi if I can find one) -- From the dark ages of Saab history (GM era), but makes a strong case for itself, especially vs the Volvo.

Some Questions for you guys:
1) Generally, whats your take on my list, what would you select from that list (anything I missed on it) ? Make sense to go for a 2yr/20k mi S40 for same price as a new Mazda3 or Golf?

2) All reviews I read so far say the 2.4L 168hp mill is disappointing, but the T5 trim with the 2.5L is much more $$$...is the 2.4L really that disappointing?

3) If you were to rank your current Volvo on reliability/general sense of quality compared to your previous/other current cars, where would it rank? (Trying to determine if I really need that $2000 extended coverage if I go the Volvo route).

Any and all other comments welcome, info always good when you're about to drop $20k on something.