I just bought a '97 855 T5. I got what I consider a smokin deal. 2k. It lacks records and the OD gear is broken(119000) but I had an inspection and there's a few things that lead me to believe it has bee fairly well serviced, ie: it has Bilsteins $$ Those who are on the cheap don't buy the best. The timing belt was changed 2 years ago etc. No wrecks either. Some evidence of recent Volvo service.
I have an issue with the rear end. It had a broken shock mount and it has a busted shock eye bushing in one of the Bilsteins on the oposite side of the broken shock mount. It does have a hitch on it so I think it may have seen a heavy load. The shocks seem fine (stiff) but they are HD's so I'm not sure. I replaced the broken mount and have another on the way to go ahead and replace the other. I also have new poly shock eye bushings coming. The rear tires are worn on the inside.

the rear doesn't feel spongy and it's not sagging but the rear wheels seem to be toed in a little at the top, hence the tire wear, and it's not tracking straight so an alignment is needed. All the other bushings in the rear look good.
Any thoughts where my issues could lie? Shock/springs?