In general, we have a harsh Ontario climate with lots of road salt, sand, and freeze/thaw conditions in the winter. So granted, the car's not going to survive as well as in dryer, more temperate areas. But hey, it's a car designed in Sweden so I expected it to be ready for this stuff!

On the stabilizer links -I've tried to press for an answer and solution but the servicer blamed the harsh road conditions in our area (lots of heaves and potholes from Ontario winters). I don't buy it - my previous Honda Civic drove the same potholes and I don't remember ever having to change those parts, let alone so frequently. To add salt to the wound, my third replacement was diagnosed only 11 days beyond the warranty expiry and Volvo Canada wouldn't budge on the warranty. Knock on wood, the latest replacement seems to be lasting ok.

The rotors? You bring up a good question and I should ask to find out. I had my car parked for a rainy two-week period in the spring and I think they got a bit corroded and there wasn't enough material to machine down the bumps - a word of warning. So maybe not entirely the car's fault on the rotors. Still, I'm extremely easy on brakes and wouldn't expect rotors to give up so easily.