Well since i'm already here I just want to find out a bit more about my Volvo.
When I first got my car in 1999 it was the smoothest ride i've ever been in. I went through roads, bumps, holes, ice, etc... like butter.
THese days is different though. My car is not even 6 years (59k miles) old yet and it rides like its 15 years old. I feel the smallest bumps and holes, as if I were going through a foot deep hole. It's annoying to have to drive like this, where everything is felt.
My question is, is this supposed to be happening? I figured since Volvos are very heavy cars, its only natural that the shocks would take a beating and eventually lose its shock power. Or is it not the shocks? Is it something else... I really don't know. Would changing the shocks make any difference?
I love my Volvo and I wouldn't change it for anything, and I dont plan to get rid of it until it starts giving me engine problems, so that will be a long time from now, but having to drive like this is getting more annoying at times passes.
Any advice or ideas of what i'm experiencing? I mean i'm clueless when it comes to cars, period. So any advice, tips, suggestions and making my ride smoother would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Its probably not the shocks but the suspension bushings that are giving you trouble. They get hard with age and absorb less vibration. Ditto with steering bushings.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

So I guess there's not much you can do about this huh? :(

On the contrary, you can replace the bushing. But I'm curious why the previous poster is blowing off the idea that it's the struts?

I have 87k on my '99 and have the same issue - very harsh over bumps now.

The reason I "blew off" the shocks was that shocks tend to get weaker with age, making the ride softer. Remember, shocks push the wheels down and springs try to keep the wheel from coming up.
I have replaced steering arm bushings and that changed my ride, so I changed out the rear suspension bushings, including sway bar, and it rides much better now. Original shocks.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)