I've got a 2001 Volvo V70 and some aspects of it are definitely a better fit and finish. The paint still looks immaculate on it, and the lines and body look basically timeless in my opinion. Really sharp. The leather is 12 years old and we have raised two kids in it over the last six years we owned it and the leather isn't cracked or peeling, it looks used, but you would never guess it has been abused the way it has. All of the writing and stuff on the window and door lock switches, the radio buttons and knobs, the blinker switch that has all the wiper controls etc, and the steering wheel radio controls hasn't rubbed off over the years. Literally, none of it has rubbed off at all. It has a superb finish.

But after that, I'm not so sure. The oil trap clogs in it every 15 or 20 thousand miles and has to be replaced SOON after it does or it WILL start blowing seals and leaking oil. You got to get the parts at the Volvo dealer. Its about a $250 job and a pita. An axle went bad one time and had to get it from the dealer. $388, for an axle. The transmission went out at about 150k miles, and I'm frankly embarrassed to say what that cost. It is a great car in some respects but it's way to expensive to maintain, let alone mod. Parts availability has eased up in the last couple years, and now you can get more at advance and autozone, and that helps. But in other respects, virtually every other manufacturer in the world can match the quality of that axle, and the transmission, and the PCV system, so there is absolutely no way to justify the cost of the parts for it. To top it off, you can't get a manual for it, so you have to rely completely on your own experience and ability, forums, or just pay a mechanic.

That Volvo is a lesson I learned that helped lead me to the Grand Prix I have now. I wanted a car that I could get the family in, with enough room to go on a trip and the kids in the back aren't packed in so tight that they fight like h***. A big enough trunk for all our crap when we go on a trip, yet still a little fun for dad when the kids aren't with me. As important, PARTS AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL FREAKIN STORE!!!

I doubt that I will ever buy another European car again after the Volvo. I've had good luck with the only Toyota I ever owned, and love the Honda Accord we have. If I ever get to a point when I can declare my GP as a spare car or back up car, I'll probably have it back up another Accord or Maxima. I'm sure I will have the GP as a daily or back up pretty much forever though.

Its got a great bang for the buck factor IMO.