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Hmmmm. Well, the turbocharger is buried deep behind the engine, and I didn't think the LPTs had an intercooler, so no pipes? My T5 doesn't have a boost gauge, none of the 70s I've seen do. Still, I didn't think that there were any US NA XCs, could it be Canadian?
My T5 was awful the first year, then it simmered down. I also got a "free" battery. Also the "torque tube bushing" (top engine mount), 3 power door locks, stereo speaker, driver's seat belt, ball joints , stabilizer bar end links (x3) one MacPherson strut. The passenger's side wiper still skips over the glass, I had the car to the dealer n times for it, finally I just gave up. I chickened out and bought the 100k VIP warranty because of the stories. That would have been a loser, except for the AC evaporator.
Some things I'd forgotten about.
At about 90k things started getting "interesting" again, with the electrical portion of the ignition switch, 2 cabin temperature sensors, and an AC hose. Wore through the dye on the steering wheel, "cosmetic" so not covered. Since 100k I've replaced the AC evaporator (101k and I had been complaining, they covered it) thermostat, had the "disc" message on the trip computer, throttle cable, leaking heater core, and lately a seized brake caliper. The rear window washer has started leaking - again, this was already fixed once under the original warranty. I also broke the glovebox latch this is common on the cars but in this case it was my fault, not Volvo's. Millions of squeaks and rattles now.
I've not needed to replace the ABS module or the air pump, yet.
I'm getting a bit apprehensive about taking it on long trips now. I can't say it's been much worse than my other Eurocars, the amazing contrast is with my wife's Oddy which has been virtually flawless. The Volvo is still comfortable, safe, practical and fun to drive. It still looks pretty sharp, too, for a car with that many miles on it, and I admire the styling in general which I think is pleasing for a station wagon.
Too bad Honda doesn't market wagons in the US, just SUVs. For my next car I have it narrowed down to either a 2004 Accord or a 2004 Acura TSX which is the Honda Accord the rest of the world gets. Right now for about $23k, (which is below the dealer invoice) you can buy a brand new 2003 Honda Accord EX-L V6 which is the top-of-the-line model with seat heaters, power driver's seat, leather, 4-wheel disc brakes, moonroof, front-head-side airbags and 240-250hp (depending on gasoline grade) and even big, round, easy to read Volvo-like analog gauges. If I didn't know better, I'd think Honda brought a Volvo 850 to Japan, took it apart, and eliminated all the glitches. Even the seat heater switches are in the same place.
When I bought my car 6 years ago there was still a lot of difference in the safety features available on the Volvos and those available on the Japanese imports. The gap has narrowed considerably since.
-Punxsutawney Phi
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