Hi Folks,

After reading the archives and benefiting from insights on which snow tires to buy (and getting a great deal at TireRack), I've screwed up my courage to join you.

I bought a wonderful navy 740 GLE 1989 wagon with 101K miles several months ago (now has 107K), after test driving and learning about used volvos all summer. One owner and all the stamps in the maintenance book, including a few recent dealer repair records. My husband thinks I'm nuts because I am so excited about this 13 year old car. I haven't been this happy with a car since I bought my first new car on my 21st bday (Mazda 626 Turbo - very cool car too, but totalled 2 years later...maybe too cool). I never had a volvo before but hope to be in one from now one.

In the past month, I've noticed this scary and intermittent engine hesitation problem. What happens is sometimes when I depress the accelerator, absolutely NOTHING happens for 2,3, or 4 seconds and then, its as if the engines wakes up again and starts accelerating. This mostly happens after I slow down from hiway cruising to 5 or 10 mph (going thru EZPass) and then try to get back up to speed but sometimes happens after being at a red light. When I first noticed it, it happened maybe once a week, but now is happening most of the time I drive it. I have an appointment scheduled with dealer, but would love some advice before I go. Also, I'm not a motor head but I can read schematics and follow directions and take advice and I am motived to learn (and save $$) and get this car in top shape. I once tried to rebuild the carburator of a '72 impala but after seeing all the little pieces, my dad's buddy fixed it and I put it back in. So I think I know my limits too.