Mike,

I have to agree with most of the posts. No one ever said Volvos were cheap to maintain, although having owned BMWs, Audis and some VWs they are by far the cheapest European car I have had to operate. I have a 1999 Volvo S70 which has been great (despite consumer reports says to stay away from 99s) Anyway, about a 1 and a half ago I sold my VW TDI Passat because it truly was too expensive to maintain. 50MPG, but the exhaust system was 2,500 dollars and a new fuel injection pump was $3,000 (No exaggeration here)!!! Just too few of the TDIs on the road, hence parts are not cheap. So, I ended up getting a used 1995 Volvo 850 Wagon. The car had 59K on it and was a certified car (for what that is worth) It now has about 94K on it. Since that point, I have put in 2,700 dollars in Maintainence. New front rear struts/shocks, new thermostate, headlamp washer, tires, brakes, engine mounts, and assorted air filters/plugs/wires/oil changes which I do myself but I do caculate the parts cost.

Certainly, if I had a Honda Accord, my repair bills would be less, but in my estimation there isn't a vehicle out there that does what my 850 Wagon does.

- Fun to drive (5 speed)

- Increadible cargo hauler (like a truck)

- consistently gets 29 MPG. (Makes it a decent commuter)

- Best seats in the industry period

- Easy to work on (I do most work myself)

- Parts are easy to obtain

- Great in the snow

- Safe as can be

I test drive cars every month because I am a car nut, but I always look at the list above and stick with my Volvos.

Good luck.