My 2 cents...

I keep an excel file that I manually entered the service and inspection requirements in it and list the date / mileage I perform the maintenance / inspection along with the cost and next due maint inspection date / service mileage...pretty simple. I generally change my oil & filter at 3000 and not 5000...cheap insurance...and every other oil change...rotate the tires...

Next I religiously reset my trip meter at refills to keep a wary eye on potential 'issues'. I keep up with the simple nitt-noid stuff to keep the vehicle operating safely and other than that... I don't mess with stuff that's not broken which does not jeopardize the safety of anyone driving or riding in my car.

Another lesson learned...as much as some folks despise their local Volvo "stealership"...develop a relationship with them. Some of these mechs can give you some sage advice and additional pointers not found in the Hayne's which they've learned over their many years. And hey, for ~$35 per diagnostic they can pin-point something that might take you hours on end (what's your time worth).

Finally, enjoy your Volvo and the many "payment free years of enjoyment" it will give you if you take care of it...especially while your friends are on their third or fourth domestic vehicle...beacuse a "Volvo is too expensive".

Cheers...

Frank
'88 760T >305,000m
'00 C70 >100,000m