10 Comments
Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Yikes! Not a fun use of money. We've always owned Volvos (birthed my son in one) and for the non mechanic I would suggest asking an indie Volvo mechanic what to watch out for in whichever model you're wanting. They are well aware of the things that break here and there and are not as up selling as the dealers.

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It’s worth clarifying that the Volvo shop in Ithaca is not a dealer. Ironically, they are the Indie. Born in a Volvo! Wow!!

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Sep 13·edited Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Haven't we all been there in one form or other! Absolutely laughed my head off. It's so nice to know we are not alone.

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Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Three thoughts:

1) "mild cognitive impairment" may be more widespread than we realize

2) it is probably harder than it used to be to find in-person non-disabled workers these days

3) inflation in "motor vehicle maintenance & repair" was 12-15% per year back in 2022-2023.

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Oh man, spot on David. And partly why I was able to stay calm during the multiple “oops, we didn’t fix your taillight” encounters.

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Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Hey Scott: this is Ithaca. Have you ever considered an electric bike? 😊

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Um, no. I was a fearless bicyclist for decades, but cell phones and distracted drivers changed that. After a few close calls, I took my bicycle off the road. Post Covidian brain fog hasn’t made the roads any safer.

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Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Who doesn’t love a good car story? They don’t call them stealerships for nothing. High mileage japanese cars are not the same as high mileage euro cars. YMMV.

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Sep 13Liked by Scott Marsland, FNP-C

Always avoid the dealer at all costs! Most of them are notorious for the kind of hell they put you through.

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Before this, I would have agreed with you. In Ithaca, the dealer has an empire under the Maguire family, and they have consistently delivered timely, courteous, friendly, reasonably priced service. The Volvo shop is an independent business, that doesn’t sell new Volvos. The shop itself is a timber frame work of art.

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