The message in question was rude and obviously an attack on the board.

But, if we are going to be completely objective, many things have improved in the automotive world since 1993. The old 240's are workhorses. Very safe workhorses. But compared to a car that is only a few years newer, they are unrefined. I also think that other auto makers have caught up to Volvo with regard to safety and longevity.

I have a '97 Nissan Maxima auto that has gone 230,000 miles and required nothing but brakes, tires, a timing chain, and an alternator. It also gets 30 mpg if I drive it gently (which is not often, 200HP V6!), and it had a very good 4 or 5 star safety rating back in 1997.

I also have a '92 245 5spd. It's a great car, particularly for its cargo capacity and road feel. It just feels like a tank. On the other hand, it has cost about twice as much to maintain and repair as the Maxima, and the Volvo has done "only" 164,000 miles. I find that frequency of repair is also higher. It's needed trailing arm bushings, a blower motor, a radiator, motor mounts, pre-pump, and an air mass meter. Fuel economy is low 20's city, 25-26 highway.