You are correct in that Volvo's can be highly maitenance intensive (and I don't blame anyone who abandons ownership due to this issue). This is especially true for the 850's as well as S/V70 series and 80 series cars. Those who plan to continue ownership of these cars, for the most part are aware of this and willing to keep them up. It is best for us who want to continue to own these cars, "no matter what," to find a good independent mechanic we can trust who is in close proximity to us and/or learn to do the maitenance and repair work (most, anyway) ourselves and find a good and less expensive source for parts (fcpgroton.com and bortonvolvo.com for instance) than the dealer. These are about the only ways to save money on these cars. They are fun and safe when everything is working, and it's a constant task to keep these cars this way...still some of us are willing.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon