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.