3 volvos, 21 years - 550,000 miles - 2 stuck calipers in toto.

Klaus' post is very pertinent. Find a car with a verifiable history of proper maintenance.

A lot of things could go wrong with a used car, Volvo or not. A sticking caliper can be greased, which it should be every pad change. If you cannot or will not do your own maintenance, these cars get very expensive. The two worst items are an evaporator leak ($1500) or a rear engine seal. The seal usually is an indicator of poor maint. practices. Every 850 will need an evap replacement, or lots of cans of R134a!
Replacing brakes, changing oil, flushing tranny, tune up, are all simple DIY tasks. Timing belt is more complex, especially if you need to replace the tensioner and the water pump (not an easy location like the 240).
Find a mechanic you are comfortable with before you buy a used car.
Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

$800 a caliper is highway robbery. Check this out at the bottom of the page. This is where I get all my parts: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850brakes.htm
There has been much discussion on this board concerning the mechanic making a profit, and some degree this is necessary and right, but the Volvo specialist you talked too is way to high on all that he mentioned. My suggestion is to find another indy mechanic who isn't so unreasonable.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.