Hi! I have tentatively closed a deal to buy a '96 850 Turbo sedan. It is

fully loaded - winter package, leather, all-power, CD etc. As I said the

deal is tentative because I still need to clarify a few things as listed

below

1. I took the car to a Volvo mechanic who said that the transmission fluid

needs to be flushed as it has turned a dirty brown or some such color. Is

this normal ?

2. The mechanic also said that the car is due for a major tune-up at 60K

miles. The car has 60.5K miles. The owner said that he had tune up which

cost him about $300 and involved oil+filter change, fluid replenishments,

all the other engine checks but NO timing belt adjustments which accord-

ing to the mechanic are part of the 60K mile tue-up. The previous owner

did call two Volvo dealers who told him that the timing belt adjustment

is done after 75K miles. Since I have been told that this costs about

$300-400 I would like to know who is correct - the dealer who said that the

timing belt adjustments are needed at 75K or the mechanic who thinks that is needed at 60K ?

3. On the average how much would it cost me every year to maintain this

car.

Any other advise regarding the 850 Turbo would also be gratefully accepted.

Thanks to all those who take the time to help me make my decision by

answering the above queries.

Kdar