I'm a recent owner of my first Volvo. It's a 1995 850 GLT Turbo with 95,000 miles on it. I have heard so may good comments on Volvo's though, I had no hesitation in buying one. Now I bought mine used from a private party. I got a good buy on it, since it needed a few things to bring it up to par. Now I know that the dealers tend to be a bit more expensive, but I weighed that against their current knowledge and experience of their own product. (I have had good luck with this theory with Honda's and the Acura I currently own.) Anyway, I am having terrible problems with the dealers service. It took them two visits to find an oil leak caused by a plugged PCV valve. I had also told them about a squeal in my left rear wheel, which they could not find. Now I had a "Check Engine" light come on last week, so I took it in Monday, December 24 and they still have the car. They said it had to have the 02 sensor replaced and they said the squeal is the brakes and both rear need to be completely rebuilt. Their estimate is $540 for the sensor problem and over $600 for the brake job. But my biggest complaint is the lack of communication. In all the instances when I have had the car in, I have to chase them for answers. They will not return calls as promised. Now I ask all of you reading this. Dealer service or independent? Am I dealing with a fluke here, or is this the normal arrogance associated with a Volvo dealer?

Larry