Mark,

You are about to buy an expencive car. I will not cost you to much

(YOU HAVE TO NEGOTIATE) - but it is really nice to have heated seats and

sun roof (Subaru outback - has two sunroof - I would like to have two too)-

but Volvo does not have.

These small things makes your car more comfortible. If it not important for

you - why to buy luxery car at all - there are a lot of good AWDs without

such features.

Finaly - do not buy cold weather package.

Good luck anyway.

Mark,

I don't know where you live but the "bun" warmers are a very comfortable touch as everyone has agreed so far (we live in Maryland). I also like the heated side view mirrors that come with the cold weather package, they work very well. When we selected our car, most if not all were coming through with sunroofs. I started thinking about deleting this but the wait time to custom order a car appeared to be extensive (12+ weeks last October).

With respect to cost, I had made an inquiry of the dealer through their web site and one of their reps said to call with questions. He quoted a price over the phone that was $500 over dealer invoice (if that means anything for real). As it turns out, it was a competitive price. We selected a car already on order for delivery to this dealer. I don't know if the pricing would have changed on a custom order.

Also, be careful if you end up with the headlight wipers. It is easy to knock the blades off especially when cleaning off ice and snow. Otherwise they work well and keep the light output very bright (a good feature as our eyes get older!). :)

Good luck!

Mark -

If you are a AAA member, you can take advantage of a special program to get a great price without having to bargain. AAA will tell you if there is a participating Volvo dealer in your area and which person at the dealership you need to talk to. Participating dealers agree to sell cars to AAA members at a very low percentage over dealer invoice, and they are required to show you that invoice as well.

Good luck!

You may want to look into overseas delivery. Check Volvo's website for prices. You pay less than invoice for the base car but MSRP for the options. This seems like a good way to get a good price on one without a lot of options. Just a thought...

But, the cold weather package gets you the heated seats and you

have to get the heated seats. Now, I know what you are thinking

"I can live without heated seats". I used to think that, too.

"Tell me again why I need the cold weather package for California

Bay Area." I asked the salesman. "Trust me, you'll like the

seats" he replied. He was right. I like em and everyone who rides

in the car likes em, too.

Now the sunroof, I could do without. But, I've never seen a GLT

(or better) model without a sunroof. I suspect you would have

to order it if you don't want the sunroof (and if you want to

deal, best bet is to deal on a car in stock).

Mark,

as Dave pointed very correctly, below, the only way to avoid *the not so dumb) headlamp wipers is to go without the Cold Weather Package which if you live in any state North of the Mason-Dixon line, you will have a FAT chance in avoiding it.

Perhaps the guys from "Car Talk" find them "dumb" (sic) because people in their profession always want to bitch about something. If they paid attention to the true reason why they are there and why Volvo believes having DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS in their FULL BRIGHTNESS, they would not utter such nonsense.

Yes, dealers are "dealing" and I am glad you love to "deal"....Just remember that when you go buy this car , the person that you will be "dealing" with (not against) is a human being who may be trying to make a living...if (s)he treats you with respect, dignity and professionalism, please remember to reciprocate...if you feel like "beating him/her up", remember that you could be in his/her shoes. We all work to make money...

Good luck! It is a great car for the $$$

Yannis

P.S. There are VERY FEW cars out there w/ out the Cold Weather package and even fewer w/out the sunroof. You can custom-order a XC w/ out the Cold Weather package but the non-sunroof XCs have been discontinued...

Get (or order) a XC without the cold weather package i.e. no headlight wipers.