Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1990 Volvo 740GL that I recently took into the dealership for my annual service -- this time, the 45,000-mile service. While I was waiting for all of this to happen, the assistant service manager came out and told me that my motor mounts and the transmission mounts were collapsed and should be replaced, at a cost of $450. Is it possible that this could happen so soon? I have never heard of this before. -- Richard

Ray: We do replace a lot of Volvo motor mounts, Richard, but not many before 90,000 or 100,000 miles. So I think you've got good reason to complain.

Tom: It's particularly unusual for all three to go bad so early. Although if one did break for some reason, that would put a lot more stress on the remaining mounts.

Ray: I'd contact Volvo and tell them that you have been very happy with the car, but had expected the motor mounts in such a well-built, durable, premium motor car to last longer than 45,000 miles. Ask them if they would be willing to take responsibility for what are obviously parts that slipped through their rigid, highly regarded quality-control process. This is known as the "kiss up" approach.

Tom: And if that doesn't work, try calling them anatomically specific names. That definitely won't work, but at least it'll make you feel a lot better temporarily.

How can you tell if a used car is in good condition -- or even OK, for that matter? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know." Send $3 and a stamped (55 cents), self-addressed, No. 10 envelope to Used Car, PO Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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