I got the package two winters ago and the tires (Gislaved) have been excellent in any type of snow (I drive V70). Last winter I drove during a snow storm doing 100 km/hr without problems while SUVs were all over the road or in a ditch. But my four seasons Michelins could never do it unless I cut my speed by 50%. One of the best features of the Gislaveds is holes for studs, if you ever need them. And the tires after two winters, 50,000 km later still have excellent thread.
Good luck.

I purchase Volvo's snow tire deal years ago for our first 740, the tires performed and wore well.

For our latest 850, I found aftermarket steel wheels for $50 each, Volvo wheel covers for $26, and Blizzak snows for $100 (full service tire dealer) - a hair over $700.

Be careful using aftermarket alloy wheels - often when you damage one, you cannot get an identical replacement.

Ask the Tire Rack if you can expect to buy an exact replacement wheel 4 years from now.

--
2 8s & 2 7s 600,000 miles total

Sounds steep to me! Are you in the Southern Hemisphere?? I'd wait until fall when Tire Rack and Discount Tire have their Winter packages. For $800 you should be getting 'real' wheels, not steel with covers. Steel 16" wheels are maybe $45, so packages with that should be more like $650?! If you are hesitant about mail order wheels and tires, they make it pretty easy, they are mounted and balanced ready to bolt on. I think discount tire even is doing free shipping. OR some local places may even be able to order 'wholesale' through them and sell to you at a similar price!

Good Luck!

-Ananda
16" Gislaved 205/55 winter tires on stock T5 wheels for winter :)

You might want to check the used market for wheels and go to a real tire dealer for the tires. Depends on if you want alloy wheels or steel

Personally I like a chain called Mavis. I drive 50-60k miles a year so I need tires often and prefer not to have to wait for a dealer appointment when I need tires. They have pro-rated a couple sets of tires that didn't last like they should due to alignment problems. My last set of four cost just under $200 mounted, balanced and still with a warrantee. And for anything more involved I use the dealer.

Another place I've heard good things about is tirerack.com - you can even order the tires on wheels if you like.

One final note - on my 850 I run all-season tires year round, usually staring a new set of tires as the winter starts. My wife's 850 wagon gets traditional winter/summer change. So far we both have gone through deep and slippery snows to the ski slopes in the area we live (Catskill Mountain of NY) and going places where 4x4 SUVs have slid off the road. My conclusion - the tire probably doesn't matter so much as long as you have good tread (not just legal, good) and drive according to conditions.

Good luck!

I bought it, but then again I once bought a Peugeot. Really, though, you might be able to do better elsewhere, but my package came with free installation, rotation, and balancing. The steel wheels are decent quality, dating back to the days when most Volvo parts were made of steel. I have used mine one winter, and the centers are still on the plastic wheelcovers. Maybe some things are actually getting better!