I've recently moved from the 120 series into the 200 series Volvos and I've really got to complain that this 245 GLTi (233K) is, so far, a garage hog. I've owned several Hondas and a Toyotas that had 150+K on them when purchased. All these cars have been the type that you drive the piss out of for years and fix what breaks (usually $100-200 a year, one item)

Since I got this car, I have done: Starter, wiring harness, complete front end rebuild, rear torque rod bushings, welded a crack in the exhaust tube, replaced in tank pump, and a host of other minor annoyances like the glovebox door... All within the first 3000 miles.

Now my throwout bearing is noisy, there is at least one stripped exhaust manifold nut (putt, putt), the blower motor is occassionally noisy, the turbo appears to be leaking oil past the intake seal and the ignition switch has to be fiddled with to make the radio work.

Service records were given to me from the PO. There are probably $8000 worth of receipts in that envelope, four turbos, a bunch of oil seals every few years, relays, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I like working on Volvos, but I like driving them too! Seeing as my "garage" is a 20'x20' piece of concrete in front of my house and winter is now approaching, I'm a little dismayed at the amount of time and expense I'm going to be putting forth to get this car into reasonable condition. As a point of reference, my 87 Toyota truck was bought with 200K, needed a clutch when I bought it and has only had the thermostat replaced in the last 25K miles.

Maybe it's because I love it that I want to make it perfect. Hell, it only cost a grand and maybe putting 2 more into it will make it run to 350K. I love everything about the car except all the damn repairs are really taking a bite out of my time and wallet. Sorry for the rant but who's gonna listen except for a bunch of other Volvo nuts.

Bob