James,

The Arbitration Board ruled in Volvos favor. My attorney called me today and told me he didn't think that appealing their ecision was worth the time, money or trouble.

I am selling the car. I will not ever buy a Volvo again. Lance is correct; Volvo used to be safe. You need to ask how safe can you feel in any vehicle that its own manufacturer can't or won't acknowledge has a fundamentally unsound design/manufacturing problem? I think all of us can agree that we would be willing to work through the 'first model year' problems - especially knowing Volvo is so-o-o conservative with changes. But I know I can't live with being treated shabbily by any company that advertises excellence in Customer Service and tells me, and an arbitration board, that I don't know what I am talking about.

Here is the short list of the problems I've had with the 1998 V70 GLT (FWD)from 8/98 to 11/98 when I took it off the road:

1.Smell of fumes when turning on the heat. Volvos response: open the window

if it bothers me

2.Alarm goes off if itermittantly when opening the door. Volvo

Response: learn how to open a door properly

3.Dual climate controls don't work independantly. Volvo response: When the

switch is in the 'O' position, the system doesn't work

4.Dog guard, (at $267.00, that's American Dollars), rattles incessently

when down and slams down with a LOUD, METALLIC, CRACK while driving.

Volvo response: remove it

5.Vibration in the front end at 35-45 mph (since new) shaking at highway

speeds. Volvo response: Normal

6.Volvo customer service response to my frustration at not being able to

get the problems resolved: get someone to take over the lease.

In sum, before buying a Volvo (or any car now) I would advise that you speak to people about the dealership, it's customers, and the technicians that will be working on your car. AND ASK!!!! DO NOT BE AFRAID!!! A good dealer and service department are critical. Also, check who your Area Manager and Area Field Service Rep are. Talk with them. What you come away with will tell you everything you will need to know to make an informed decision.

I bought a BMW 525i in November. I love it and it blows Volvo away. Audi is supposed to be an even better car. We do have choices, don't get caught in the myth.