Just ordered a box of goodies from FCP Groton and will get going on maintenance. Thanks to those who responded - got me off dead center and working.

Your list isn't too bad. If you buy a replacement car, expect to throw another $1,000 at it to get it right. You know what this 854T needs and you like it. So, why not try doing some of the easier things yourself? Start by getting an 850 Haynes manual and replace the rotors/pads at the rear. Not as easy as the fronts, but still easy enough.
Or find a mechanic that likes Volvos and has reasonable rates. Have him inspect it for $100, and give you a realistic estimate. When I saw your wheels, they should be 'reconditioned'. I have always like that style.

If you have no desire to DIY, then sell it and buy a Toyota Avalon. The other cars on your list require a lot of preventive maint.

Klaus
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I still miss my 164

Hello Karl.

Probably everything on your car is normal maintainence(I dont know about the CEL!).

Because of your decision to withhold maintanence it now looks a 'lump' of work to do and pay for. most people that dont 'do' their own cars get into this situation sooner than you or I, or many of the usual suspects on brickboard (you all know who you are).

If the car is solid, without major issues I think I would give it what it needs,and keep on motoring, whilst looking for another one ( with the same list of jobs,or more) with about 100.000 mls on (or less),and take about a year (or so) finding it.

Serious motoring demands serious maintainence, irrespective of the market value of the car. Keep fit, reduce stress, dont smoke, watch your weight, have regular check ups:---- Die in perfect health! Thats how I treat my cars.

For me the life of a car is its corrosion life, x by the sq rt of the life of the ex valves.(joke}.

I remember buying two new tyres for twice the price that I sold the car for, that very week! Thats what happens when you spin out the life of a car to market zero! It depends who you are as to whether it is 'right' or not.

Best regards.
Howard.
Isle of skye.

If you can wrench it yourself you can do all of the things on your hit list for about 15% of your posted prices and I would keep it. If you plan to take it into a shop or, God forbid, a stealership then dump it. The 210,000 mile timing belt service is really just the belt if the tensioner and rollers were dealt with at 140k. A new timing belt is $27.00 at FCP Groton. $27.00, a few scraped knuckles, and a couple or three hours in the driveway, and that job is done.

...Lee