Ken, I think you and I have alot in common. I live in Chicago too, and I am convinced that the weather is the cause of the problems this car has.

I bought my car at 75k and thought that my problems were "abnormal" and that after the next big repair things would be smooth. That never happened. It seemed that I was in a revolving door with the repair center. I was in the repair center so much that I drove every model that Volvo currently offers! :) Thats enough to cry and laugh.

I guess it was my fault that I didn't better research this car. I wanted a safe car, a car that was durable, and that I received. What I didn't reserach was the economics of owning a Volvo. If I had, then I would have made a different decision.

I wrote a letter to Volvo customer service and explained that Volvos are great cars, and the best I have driven. They just suffer one major flaw. They are not affordable to own for the majority of people. I have a good job and salary, and I should be able to afford this car. I could afford this car, if it didn't keep breaking.

I am going to test drive Toyotas first, and then see if they are good enough. I was attracted to the Avalon myself or maybe even the highlander seems cool.

Brian