I've got a 1996 850 Turbo Wagon and I'm looking for some advice regarding rough road driving. Two weeks ago I punctured my oil pan on a rough road here in Idaho. The whole event made me think about the kind of car I drive - my mechanic even told me I should get a truck or an SUV, but I am steadfastly against it. The only thing either of those really gives me is clearance, which would be nice, but I love the 850 Wagon, don't mind that it is not an AWD - that has never stopped me from getting anywhere really.
My question is this - are there any considerations I should take in the future to prepare the car for more rough road driving? Is there anything I can do (I have purchased and installed - albeit a bit late - the skid plate from IPD) to make the car a bit more bombproof? The car has 199,000 miles, so it is getting up there. I am alsways concerned about tires and suspension. Does the XC have a more heavy duty suspension system? If so, is there anything I can do to my wagon to make it more durable and perhaps prevent more serious issues from befalling me?
Thanks!
matt b.
Boise, Idaho
|