23-25 mpg seems terrific for suburban driving. A small increase in traffic density or slightly colder weather could easily account for your lower mileage (which seems closer to normal to me...). ...

I just installed the PIAA blades purchased from Tirerack.com and they work well so far. Don't know for how long...

I agree fully. I also have a Mini Cooper S FWD with stability control and I never deactivate it in bad weather (or actually any time on the highway); it is a huge advantage. However if I forget to...

If you buy an Audi A3 or TT Quattro, you will be getting a Haldex system similar to the Volvo Haldex system.

Agree. Use name-brand protection products that are known to work for 1/10th the price.

You can usually rent a suitable spring compressor at a tool rental shop in most cities

I have about 16K on my set of Hydroedge. They have worked very well and show minimal wear. I run them usually in the range of 35-40 psi, and they handle much better than the stock Pirellis (with...

I use Michelin Hydroedge at 38 psi, and I like them. I do drive rather quickly in corners when conditions are safe (and my wife is not with me...). I think they are superior in steering response to...

My guess is the left front wheel bearing. It will be unloaded when turning left, so the sound will diminish or go away.

My 2004 XC70 with 46K miles looks like pic #1. Mixed driving, many long trips, always used Mobil 1 5W-30 at 7500 mile intervals.

I believe most auto trans are set this way; you should be able to move the lever from D to N while not applying brakes, but NOT to R or P. Going to N allows you to coast without engine compression...

+1; I've had zero problems in deep snow with my 2004 XC70 with earlier Haldex system. Near instant torque delivery to the rear wheels. Something is not right with those cars that cannot get torque...

Details here:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/for-eur-eyes-only-volvo-releases-new-five-cylinder-diesel-in-s8/2#comments

Volvo needs to get this engine into their larger US model cars as...

If you don't need AWD, or high clearance, and just need the room that the XC70 has, then I recommend that you not consider any of very heavy, high fuel consumption SUV's that you mention.

I...

Here is an article that describes the various Haldex versions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haldex

Agree about the tires. If the car is on the standard all-season tires it will slip around a...

When we lived there we used the Model Garage in Berkeley (Shattuck Ave. near Ashby, south side of town. They are Volvo specialists and did good work.

NOT! This statement by 'tire guys' I have read many times. It may even be somewhat correct to say that the average V rated tire will probably handle a bit better than the average T rated tire in an...

I suggest you check out the IPD.COM heavy duty sway bar end links.

There are posts on this forum that describe how to reset the service light.

A few milliseconds I would guess. The engine has an acoustic sensor that detects knock (detonation); this sensor signals the engine computer, which then retards ignition timing to try to...

We purchased our car (2004) with the receiver hitch package. Only included was the hitch and a tow bar+ball. No lighting harness (I added that later). No other parts that I know of.

Check anti-roll bar end links first. If so, I suggest replacing with heavy-duty end links available from IPD.COM.

I'm hoping that Subaru will bring in their Diesel engine and make it available in the Outback or similar AWD wagon in the next few years. In the meantime this fall we will probably buy one of the...

Your signature indicates a 1998 V70XC. If that is the case, NO, you do not use 3309 in your transmission. Check your owners manual; probably Dexron III is required. Check at the 1997-2000 V70XC...

Is not the cat converter covered under a Federal required 8-year, 80K warranty? It is for 2004 (P. 32-33 of my 2004 Volvo Warranty book.)

My problem with Volvo is that they have not tried (to my knowledge) to meet the new regulations, while VW-Audi, Mercedes, and BMW have forged ahead, and all will have 2009 models with Diesel engines...