Art:

I usually keep them an average of 3 years - have three drivers in my immediate family. Sister and brother-in-law have driven several Volvos I found. My Uncle had two I helped him purchase, so I count any V that I maintained or bought. Had a few junkers, parts cars, etc. I bought and sold for profit while in college. Got my first in 79, so 27 years of driving Volvos. I did have them all written down for the first 48. Maybe I will try to go over the list and post it on the brickboard. It really is only 2.4 per year when you think about it.

I have a local friend who has 12 currently (not sure what his overall total could be) and professor friend who has owned at least 20 plus since I have known him. Part of the process is the challenge of finding another car to fix - and I am also happy that I can buy a Volvo cheaply, keep it a few years and often sell it for more than I paid for it (after doing basic repairs). That really amazes me.

When I go to the Volvo dealer, I am the guy in the back lot looking at the trade-in Volvos that sit quietly at the back fence. Guess they look lonely to me - those new S60s and V70s sit upfront looking pretty, but they don't appeal to my sensibility. I often wondered if I was rich, would I still be driving an older Volvo - pretty much think I would.

When I think about a "brickster", I think about this forum and enjoy the wide variety of folks we have here. That's part of the appeal of owning them!

Bob Weber