I am the original owner of a 98 XC with 82K mi and regrettedly have had an endless list of issues (over $10K of parts with warranty work and about $4K per year since). The latest was a cracked engine mount... The car drives and feels wonderful, that's why I bought it, but I never imagined that VOLVO (preFord) could engineer such a mechanical nightmare. I've had good ones like a '69 145 for 350+K miles and lemons like a '75 164 and '96 855. Overall we like the car but I'm decidedly less attached than the wife.

The issue I am raising here is not surprisingly, tire wear.

We are about to buy the Fourth set! after the Continental Touring originals (30K), Michelin MXV4's (30K stiff ride) and Continental Extreme Contacts (best ride worst wear). I accept that a design defect results in this car gobbling tread...... But want to know what tire brands and models other users are preferring for performance, ride, reliability and wear.