Unfortunately we live in an *area where Volvos are looked at as 'furrin car' transportation, not as, well, Volvos. Not many/any 'understanding' Volvoholics; the light would scare off anyone, methinks. Besides myself, one other person in town owns a Volvo...and it only has two wheels.

I don't mind doing the work once I find out what is wrong - have done most all our car repairs for years - it is generally the diagnosis I suck at. Oh yeh, also don't like the cost.

I think I'll go with the replacement unit: just got email from them - $599 plus shipping one way. Beats three of a kind, or the odds at the Volvo Service Desk.

I would advertise this as a good kids car, or reliable work transportation - so feel bad if it crapped the sheets on someone for a known bad part going out. I gotta get over being a nice guy! I have a car selling rule: "Never sell a broken $200 car - give it away - less hassle!" Long story...

Wish we could keep both Volvos - but have five vehicles between the two of us. Our '97 850 was bought new, 96k on ODO, and runs fine, daily driver. Have two newer Volkswagons in the garage doing nothing, and a 'work' truck (which is a funny term - since my wife and I both got laid off the same day last Jan). Love all the cars (except the S70 - and love it only when it runs good), and are agonizing over which two to let go after the S70.

Will of course post the results, but might be a week or so.

Thanks again,

Flinch

*Not to say our town is remote, but we only have half a zip code. The town is so small that there's not enough room to change your mind. How small is it? - So small that leprechauns get claustrophobic. Bada-BOOM !