Honestly, Volvo trying to compete with BMW for luxury dollars is what screwed them in the Ford years. The 240 and back are very high quality, very safe (for their time), very well made cars. The 850 was also quite high on the traditional Volvo criteria, but they also decided to go with the 'sporty' car segment. They did alright, and have since been trying to improve their share in non-traditional Volvo market. However, this cost them because they're losing ground in what was once Volvo's category. Volvo's average age of retirement is 14+ years second only to Mercedes, but its going down quite quickly with the '00s factoring in.

I think the Chinese ownership (which I understand still leaves Volvo 'in charge') won't necessarily be a bad thing. I just want them to go back to what made them a success.


BTW, tell him that the dealer was taking him for all he's worth, and that isn't normal of a volvo. Those repair costs are insane. 1500 on an alternator? Perhaps I'm missing something but even at the $500 dealer price, 1000 in labor for an hour job? WHAT???
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?