My "problem" is the car and not the mechanic. The transmission on the first replacement was done by Powell Volvo of Scottsdale Az, a "dealer". The car went back to Powell Volvo for the second replacement and replaced free of charge. They replaced the transmission with another rebuilt transmission but only gave me a 90-day warranty this time since they paid for this transmission. I found that very interesting - if I pay for the transmission the warranty is 1-year parts and labor, if the dealer pays for the preplacement its 90-days parts and labor. Should be the same transmission installed each time, shouldn't it be the same warranty each time? BTW - my mechanic told me to have the transmission replaced by the dealer!!!

Second point - replacement of two radiators. On the first failure I took the car to Volvo on Camelback in Phoenix Arizona, "the dealer", and it was replaced on July 12th. Then when the radiator when out again on November 16th, 120-days later, I took it to my regular mechanic since the installing dealer wouldn't go beyond the 90-day free parts and labor! I was charged $317.10 for just the radiator at the dealer and $302.00 at my independent mechanics shop!

So two major parts from the dealer - two multiple repairs. Good quality parts from Volvo? Or poor workmanship at the dealership? Either way, major hassel for me with lost time, loss of vehicle use, and high replacement cost on items that should have lasted a lot longer than 9-months and 120-days!!!

BTW - I have been using the same independent mechanic for over 15 years now. He has serviced all (5) of my Volvos. I currently own a 92 965 and this 96 855, with the 855 the worst repair record vehicle I've ever owned. The 965 is running like a top with NO major repairs or multiple repair - hum can't be the shop can it?

I think your eyes are blinded by the fact you work at a dealership and have loyalities that prevents you from seeing the truth! Anyone with a 850 that has gone beyond the free factory warranty period stops bringing their car to the dealer simply due to the extra cost of service at the dealership. I really don't believe the dealership has MY BEST INTEREST at heart when my car is in for service. It is a business that must maintain a high profit margin to support the high overhead and fancy facilities. The quality of workmanship is just average at best.
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Jim - 1996 Platium Limited Edition, tower brace, hitch, tinting 101K miles