Greetings all, I have a general reliability question. We bought a used 1997 850 w/17k (now stands at 76,000) and still under warranty. Initially we thought this is a great car. Feels quick in traffic, even w/o a turbo, handles, seats are superb etc. Then the honeymoon was over. To date we have had check engine lights, broken switches, tilt lever snapped, brakes needing linings and rotors incessantly (three times since purchase in 1998/50k), a wiring harness fire that sidelined the car at the dealer for weeks and the suspension cradle shifted aft after a pothole strike.

The dealer did everthing expected until the warranty ran out. Now we are using a great shop that specializes in older Volvo's but we have to pay! I have had a number of relatives who owned older Volvos, (240's and B-55?) who bragged on their bullet proof indestructability. So I was expecting a lot from this car. Am I expecting too much? Or should I be happy it has not been worse? We tend to keep our car for many years and this is the wife's daily driver so we desire dependability and reasonable maintanance costs. I would appreciate a response whether in your opinion we have an avegage car, an unusually bad car or it could be worse so quit gripping.

thanks