Volvo Repair: 1999 Volvo Suspension Repairs, sway bar links, inner tie rod

Question
Roger, I own a Volvo 1999 S80 with 79,700 miles that I bought three years ago. Dealer quotes $1,800 for both front ball joints, both inner tie rod ends, front strut mounts, both outer tie rod end boots, rear sway bar links, and upper engine mounts. I am considering: a)whether a private shop can be more cost effective since these are mechanical repairs; and b) if I might be spending too much on this car vs trading it in, for I have recently spent $1,600 for major brake work and steering wheel module replacement. This is my first Volvo and, when I bought it, thought it would be well worth trying to keep it for about 150,000 miles. I would appreciate your feedback.   Gene

Answer
Gene, personally, I would trade it in as is.  The 99 S80 is by far the worst car Volvo ever put out.  Those parts arent cheap but the estimate is way too high.  An independent Volvo shop like the one I work at is better to deal with.  Good luck. Roger