Klaus,
You are absolutely correct. However, I don't have much on my key ring, I'm like you one faub and a house key, but never the less that is what I read on Swedespeed.com to be some of the problems.
Also, I'm kinda getting the feeling that if your car has only 6,500 miles on it and is still under warranty and the consumer takes the time to research the challenges with the car and ask the dealer to replace a questionable part, they won't do it cause its their nickel under warranty. Now, I'm sure that if it wasn't under warranty and I was a well inform consumer and new the part I wanted to change and pay for it.......sure they would do it in a minute. So, I think that is the difference in our situations....ya know? If your paying they are replacing anything you want or think you may need.
As a firefighter/emt, there are a lot of uncertainties in life and I actually bought a Volvo cause of its safety and what I've seen on accidents with the Volvo's. In my line of work the one driving a Volvo is going home that night and the other car is definetly getting a ride to the trauma center....in most cases. I'm just wanting the confidence that the car will perform especially when I'm cutting that monthly check for the note on the thing. Its the confidence thing.....! Is the car going to leave my wife stranded some night when I'm stuck on a 24 hrs shift at the station. I'm pretty confident that if the vehicle is running properly that she will be getting home safe in the event of an accident.
You stated "you guys in older cars" I'm wondering what your thoughts are about something I've been hearing a lot lately. I've heard that a lot of the auto manufacturers are not making cars any more to last long because they know people will lease or trade every four years. Do you think this has any merit?