Bob,

I may have had an experience that will be helpful to you. I recently purchased a 2006 V70 with a 168,000 miles back in June of this year. The driver's side headlight assembly had a crack in the lens seal which allowed moisture inside the lens housing. In addition, although both lenses had been polished with a 3M lens polishing kit twice by the prior owner, the plastic was yellowing. Volvo wanted $645 per lens assembly for a replacement. I purchased an aftermarket lens made in Taiwan by a company called TYC. The driver's side lens assembly was $180 and the passenger side was $196. Why the difference in price I have no idea. I purchased both lenses from eEuroparts.com and had them installed by my private garage. When I looked at them they seemed of good quality and my private mechanic had no objection about them. Of course the savings was staggering. I have only had them install for a few weeks and so far the experience has been positive. Let me clearly state I receive no compensation from the manufacturer TYC or eEuroparts.com. I am just sharing my personal experience that I hope is helpful to you. I don't know if TYC sells a headlight assembly that would fit your Volvo, but it is an option to consider.

Personally, though I have no control over this decision, I wish Volvo and the other manufactures stuck with a glass construction. From what I've been told, the decision to go to plastic was to "save weight" and increase the gas mileage. I think it was driven to same money and force customers to buy new headlight assemblies every few years. That's just my opinion.

Again Bob I hope this information is helpful to you. I appreciate the help I receive from others on this website when I post a question.

Hugh