Hi Bricksters,

I am going to be ordering a new T5 before the April 30 deadline and am curious about how well the DSTC system works and how effective it is. My '98 AWD lease is up in June. I can't tell ANY difference between my '98 AWD and my '99 GLT w/ plain STC(which is standard on the T5). Thanx for your opinion! George

I had the opportunity to test the DTSC during a rare snow event here in the south. I was pleased to find that I could not force the car into a tailspin or cause it to plow. Each time I turned the front wheels hard while going 45 mph, the rear brakes kicked in & kept me on course.

I was also doing some hard cornering on dry pavement & felt the system kick in.

I'd spend the $1k and get the DTSC over the sun roof any day...

PS. If your getting the standard T5 radio, get the upgraded amplifier for another $200. It includes upgraded speakers & really improves sound quality.

Michael -

I sure wish I'd read this before ordering my T5. The sound of the standard stereo is definitely sub-par :( thanks for your great input.

- Darell

Theres lots of options available via european delivery that either cost less or are not available at all via US retailers.

You can get an extra 12V DC power outlet in the cargo area for $25.00

(In the US you must order a versitility package)

How about Roof Rails. No telling how much the US retailer will charge. The prices quoted to me were hundreds more than the $335.00 cost via european delivery.

A must have for $35.00 is the First Aid Kit.

For folks considering euro delivery, there's lots of options you can buy or have installed right there at the delivery center. Try rear mud flaps for around $45.

IMHO Euro Delivery is the way to go if you are ordering.

I did order my car, and am sorry that I couldn't have done the OSD. My wife was pregnant when we ordered the car, and it just would not have worked out to travel right then :( Next time.

BTW, I installed my own rear spash guards, which only cost me $26. Now, when will they make FRONT spash guards for this car?

- Darell

George-

The 'TRACS' system, used through '98 was a traction control system that used the ABS system to limit wheelspin up to 25 mph. The 'STC' system included torque limiting functions and is active at all speeds. The 'DSTC' system includes dynamic handling assistance. IOW, if you get into a corner and the system senses that the car is not responding to the steering input, it applies the inner brakes to assist in turning the car. When the system first came out, one of the Volvo Training Instructors took a hairpin curve with a cautionary speed limit of 25 at 60 in the rain and said the car cornered like it was on rails. He further stated that if you slide off the road in a DSTC car, you had to be felony stupid- either for driving way, way too fast for conditions, or for trying to drive around the DSTC. FYI, TRACS- TRAction Control System

STC- Stability Traction Control

DSTC- Dynamic Stability Traction Control

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL