Howdy n' all,

You may remember my previous post -- "What's it Worth?" -- a little while back. I am still grappling with a decision on what to do about my wagon. I do like it and would like to keep it, but I am concerned about the availability of parts. I have tried to find a voltage stabilizer and steering coupling bushings with no luck so far. Volvo dealer says he can't even get them from Volvo anymore.

So my question is this: how hard is it to get commonly replaced parts such as suspension parts, u-joints, seals, brake pads and parts, clutch parts and all the other assorted general-maintenance parts? I know the 240's were made in greater numbers; are a lot of the suspension, brake, and drivetrain parts used in the 240's as well as the 140's?

This is the decision maker or breaker. I have two vehicles and one has to go. My other vehicle is an '84 Ford pickup that I KNOW parts are readily available for, but it drinks gas and drives like a '40 model Willys. I am reluctant to sell it for fear the wagon might leave me afoot and I have to hunt for parts, or wait two weeks for a freakin' set of brake pads or some such thing.....

Any of you Volvo Veterans got $.02 on this?

Thanks for your input!

Craig