Preventive Maintenance

[j-dawg]

Definitely do Stage 0. But I generally agree with cn90 above - if you find yourself stressing out about the car, you're in too deep. I've found that having more cars lets me work on the Volvo at my own pace, because I can wait for parts to come in the mail, go hunt down tools, commute in another car, etc. If you can afford a second, simpler car for when your Volvo is broken or needs attention, it'll make the experience easier: I enjoy working on my V70 much more now that I can do it when I want to, rather than because I have to.

That's obviously not an option for everyone, and it's not untenable to have a V70 as your only car, but it requires a higher level of vigilance and planning.

[abscate]

Just buy another Volvo, they are only $300 in TN...