Executive Car: Toyota Camry vs Volvo V50 / S40

**daimengrui** · March 30th, 2010 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by civic1990

First of all, thank you to those who have given their opinions so far. I have learned much from all your inputs.

The car will actually be driven by a middle-age lady executive, although she might use a driver every once in a while (say twice a month). However, it could happen sometime in the future that she could get a full-time driver and it would be a nice option to have a car that fits this, but it is not A MUST HAVE feature.

She isn't very particular with horsepower (that is why we are opting for the 2.0L variant), but wants a respectable image as an executive. That is why the Volvo S40 / V50 was considered because as most of you have said, volvo wins over camry in terms of porma-image.

After reading thru your posts, we will take a look at the Subaru Legacy and maybe even the Mazda 6. My first impression though is that the Mazda 6 might not get the "respect" from fellow executives who have their cars (Accord, Camry, etc.) parked beside your car. This is just my uneducated first impression but will try and learn more about the Mazda 6.

To the Subaru Legacy lovers, how would you compare it to the Camry using the same set of criteria i posted earlier? I know that the Legacy is more expensive (2 M pesos) compared to the Camry but haven't seen one actually.

FYI, she is leaning towards the Volvo V50 as of now.

First of all, Camry, Mazda 6 or the Volvo v50 are all MID Sized cars. You will get equal respect for buying any of them.

Frankly I don't feel any of those cars are for executive use. You may get a wow reaction from common folks but from those in the know about cars all you will get is a big yawn. I often regard Mazda 6 and Camrys as middle management cars. Not to be used by VPs or CEOs.

If your buyer demands more respect then she should buy either a BMW 7 series, the new E-Class, a Lexus LS460L ,a Porsche Panamera or even better a Cadillac CTS-V.

**daimengrui** · March 30th, 2010 10:27 AM

Hey I almost forgot that there's a Hyundai Genesis Luxury Sedan, but that one is over the budget of below 2m... though its a good car IMO

**renzo_d10** · March 30th, 2010 10:48 AM

*TS :: I`ve seen a few legacies already ranging from the hatch to the sedan version of it. In different colors actually, the black being the most common. All I can say is, it's really a stunner maybe because we're not used in seeing it unlike the Camry and, maybe because of it's new and refreshed looks.

On the other hand ... you've said that HER office mates are going in with a Camry, so why join the " group " .... have something different like the 3.5 V6 Accord maybe ?

Genesis Sedan ...

Subaru Legacy Sedan

Honda Accord.

**ghosthunter** · March 30th, 2010 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by daimengrui

First of all, Camry, Mazda 6 or the Volvo v50 are all MID Sized cars. You will get equal respect for buying any of them.

Frankly I don't feel any of those cars are for executive use. You may get a wow reaction from common folks but from those in the know about cars all you will get is a big yawn. I often regard Mazda 6 and Camrys as middle management cars. Not to be used by VPs or CEOs.

If your buyer demands more respect then she should buy either a BMW 7 series, the new E-Class, a Lexus LS460L ,a Porsche Panamera or even better a Cadillac CTS-V.

The point is getting missed. The point is the TS is going for a bigger car for the size and comfort and not for the "wow" factor.

In the Philippines, people who like to show off their "wealth" are potential future kidnap for ransom victims.

**aejhayl17** · March 30th, 2010 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

In the Philippines, people who like to show off their "wealth" are potential future kidnap for ransom victims.

+1 on this. the kidnappers will ask the same amount you paid for the luxurious vehicle. maybe even 10x

i prefer the more common(the "executive looking" camry) but meets my requirements. second is the accord, maiba naman, ganda din nito eh.

**daimengrui** · March 30th, 2010 01:09 PM

Point is not being missed. TS is looking for an executive car. My opinion is neither of the selections are. Real executive sedans are expensive indeed. The showing off of wealth is in the "intent" of the buyer buying the car, not in simply owning an expensive one which he/she happens to afford.

If the buyer was simply looking for a bigger spaced vehicle then an SUV or a Van would have been the better option.

The person is evidently looking for a premium sedan. Now I just voiced out neither of them feels premium to me but that doesn't mean it won't satisfy her requirements.