The volvo, even the older models may not compare favorably to other cars if you leave everything to the dealer or other mechanics. A well maintained corolla or escort is definitely cheaper to own. I have had a 1987 corolla with 180000 miles back in college which I bought for $300.00 in 1999. One side of the car was damaged from an accident, and the door barely hold water outside when it rains. All shocks were completely gone, the chassis will hit the ground whenever there's a bump. The clutch slave cylinder leaked slowly, if I forgot to add fluid once a week I will be stranded. Otherwise the car drove great and never let me down. The only repairs I had on it in two years was oil changes, a rim (bent by me when hitting a curb, and a dozen bottles brake fluid I used to fill the clutch master cylinder reservoir. When looking down into the engine compartment, there was a small engine, and a small tranny. There were really very few things that may go wrong. Amazingly, the AC worked pretty darn well, and that's the major reason why I kept it for two years (in Houston). Then I sold it for $500. Definitely cheaper to have than any cars that are more sophiscated.