Dave

The best part of headlight washers/wipers is what you don't notice. When driving after dark in slushy/dirty conditions, you don't notice your visibility dropping due to dirty headlight lenses. That is because every time you use you windshield washers, you wash/wipe the headlights also. Uses more windshield washer fluid, but with the cavernous reservoir on the Volvo, that is hardly an issue.

Neil

I live in the Midwest & used to live in New England. I bought the winter package on my S40 because I wanted the DSA option. I didn't really want the rest, but that was how the package worked, so I got it. I also got the car last fall and have been through a winter with it, driving 1hr+ each way to work on back roads.

I do like the DSA and antilock breaks for safety and a secure driving feeling. I did find you need to turn off the DSA if you get stuck in the drive and need to "rock" the car though :)

Unexpectedly, I love the heated seats - aka "bun warmers" in our house:) My dad also really likes them on his back when it is sore. It lets you take off your bulky coat for driving too.

The headlight wipers work just fine too. I have never had them freeze up, and we get our share of freezing rain & wet snow here. I think the heat from the headlamp helps keep them defrosted while driving too. They work as described, with the washers only and matching their speed.

I don't know how much the winter package is on the XC, but I think it will be well worth it where you live. I also agree that it will help you sell the vehicle there when you are ready.

Good luck!

2000 S40

I "believe" that the headlight wipers are only available as part of the "cold weather package" that includes the heated seats. I live in the frozen inland Pacific Northwest, and LOVE the heated seats--I'll bet you would too, given where you live.

The headlight wipers work when the windshield WASHER is activated, not when the wipers alone are going. In order that they function, you would have to keep them free of packed snow similarly to the way you keep your windshield wipers clear of packed snow.

Order the cold weather package. Living where you do, you'll find most if not all of those items in the package to be beneficial--not to mention that it will make the vehicle considerably easier to sell, as most purchasers will expect heated seats and the like when buying a luxury car in your area.