Hi again. I have pored through this board and read as much as possible - and received some great replies to my posts. I am here again with more questions.

After reading about (specifically) caring for the car and then general maintenance issues (batteries, oil changes, etc.), I am a bit puzzled.

Is it the generally smart thing to do to always take the volvo to a dealer for service, etc? For example, if I had a battery die on me, I would just go to a local service center I'd used for a replacement.... I would never go to the dealer for this type of service. Same for oil changes, belts, tires, etc. With a Volvo, is this a big mistake?!?!?!?

On the chips, speed limiters, etc. - all these discussions, are these just for "souping up" the car- making it a prime hot rod? I am reading about chips and computers and increasing the hp - but is this necessary and/or will it void the warranty? I like to beat someone off the line as much as the next person, but not with a modified car.

On the car washes (though I'm not quite compulsive as the one post) - I've read about a process that puts a clear coat on the car that guarantees no waxing for something like 4 years - has anyone heard about this and/or can anyone recommend this?

Has anyone taken European delivery? I read that doing this includes the airfare, hotel, and shipping back to the US. How long does the shipping take? It also says that you can drive your new volvo around the volvo track (sounds yummy) - but how does the payment issue work? Cashier's check? Pay in the states and take a certificate? My hubby may have to go to Paris again in December and I was bribing him with all the benefits of doing this.

OK. That's enough for now. Muchas Gracias for your responses.

Anne