well, 15 years ago, my mom bought a 1987 240 DL wagon. she's loved the car ever since, even after she bought a new honda accord in 96 and relinquished control of the volvo to my sister (car's never been the same!), and then to me. ever since then, she's been wanting a new volvo, and with me graduating college (five year plan) in a year, she's beginning to shop around. what i've heard is that the newer volvos are fairly reliable, but nowhere near as reliable as the 240's. is this true? what do you think of yours? any options you would recommend? any you have thought of tearing from the car and beating with a blunt object? and what problems have you had? (freak accidents as well as standard and recurring problems). i just told my computer illiterate mom that i'd help, and she likes to know EVERYTHING about a car before she buys it (i think she has a life subscription to consumer reports)

thanks in advance for your help.
mike