I have lurked on the forum off and on for the past few years, but recently decided to roll up my sleeves & start learning how to work on my Brick.

I have had my current Volvo, an '88 245 (non-turbo) for about a year and a half. All I have done since buying it is fill the gas tank and top off the oil every few months. My wife's car recently needed to go into the shop, so she borrowed my car. I've been having a blast driving her dad's old Toyota Corolla - it's light, relatively quick, and turns like it's on rails.

I got my Volvo back today and it's shocking how badly it handles and runs. I guess I was just used to the way it felt before and since I drove it all the time, didn't notice how much it's performance has decreased.

I've done a little work on cars, but it's been a while. I figure a Volvo is a good car to (re)learn to work on. I went to IPD today and got a Bentley Manual, some air mass meter cleaner, and an Extended Service Kit.

After I get that stuff all figured out and tuned up, it will get new brake pads and a transmission & coolant flush. Finally, new bushings and whatever other gremlins are found.

Hopefully, my brick will soon be running well again and I can start thinking about upgrades and modifications. :-)