You can read all the ghstly details in the archives of this group. The auto transmission let go (on the highway at 65 mph) and two different dealers wanted more to replace it (~$3500) than the book value of the car ($3000). Combined with the upcoming need for a timing belt, tires, and suspension bushings I was compelled to sell it to a junkyard for $400. This, despite it being a fine car and a joy to drive, right up until the moment it nearly killed me.
Prior to that we had five Volvos, all RWD and all manual transmissions ('76
264, '78 264, '76 262, '87 240, '89 240). This was our first FWD and our first automatic. I've happily moved on to the (6-speed manual) TSX and I hope we can replace the wife's 850 wagon before the transmission goes.
Thinking back on the (hundreds of) weekends I've spent fixing Volvos and the dozens of times I've stood by the side of the road with my broken Volvo, waiting for the tow truck, I realize that there's more to safety and reliability than crash tests and odometer readings indicate. A car that frequently requires major repairs is not safe, no matter how safe it is when working.
-RL