I bought my 850R back in March 96 along with a extended service contract from Universal Warranty Corp.

Over the years, my front end has deteriorated because of the poor road condition around where I lived (St. Louis, MO and NYC). My car began to squeak and the steering were all ov erthe place; furthermore, riding over rough road surface feels like riding on rollercoaster. I put on a set of 16 inch 850 Turbo wheels from Volvo to make the ride a bit smoother.

I brought the car to my friend's garage to get it checked up. It turns out that it would be some major repairs (control arms, mounting plates, a few other parts, and possbily the steering rack). The sum of the parts alone came out to be around $2000 USD.

The guy from the car shop contacted the extended warranty program. TO my surprise, my friend was told by the adjustor from the warranty company that because I don't have the original 17 inch wheels on the car (because the suspension has been "altered"), they (the warranty company) are not going to cover for the repair.

I am not quite sure what to do at this point. My friend were telling me to fight for it, which I think I will. What do you folks suggest?

Couple of things came to my mind:
1. the original 850R has the option of having 16 inch wheels so it should not have cause the problem with the suspension and should not be considered as an alteration.

2. ShouldI get a lawyer to send them a letter? if so, what should the letter say?

any suggestions appreciated.
Olson