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The 855 I have has it's quirks. Flame trap's a 15K item. This is a non-turbo item and lotsa people will say it'll go longer. It will. I just don't take chances. Every 3rd oil change, its outta there (I clean them, or replace).
Brakes can be a 30K item on these cars. LOTS of people really push these because their brakes are so dang good. If you drive it like a normal car, and stop in normal car distance you'll be fine. They can actually stop much shorter than other cars I've owned - and I think this is what chews your brakes up. The volvos are also slightly heavy for their class, and this I'm sure doesn't help. You shouldn't have to do rotors all that often, but pads might be something you do once / 2 years.
Look for one with less than 100K. This should allow you to still be able to purchase an extended warranty if you go for that stuff. It's also about the half-way point, on average (I'm finding).
Oil, go with Mobil 1. I have heard it from too many volvo owners here to think they could all be wrong. This means more money at oil change time.
Filter, go with MANN or the Volvo part.
I'd go with a non-turbo model. The only reason I EVER hear to own the turbo is that it's faster. OK - and? If you ever have to swap that turbocharger out you'll understand why I suggested non-turbo.
Wagons are uncool to some, but for college they make all kinds of sense over sedans. If you can get over the look (brick wagons look better than sedans IMHO) you can do a lot more with them and mech. they're largely the same car.
Check to see if you can find a maintenance record stack with the car. I got the ultimate. ALL maint. was done at the dealership I bought the car from. They had a full printout of everything that was done.
If you're in the 80K range look for one that some poor schmuck already paid out to put a new AC in. New radiator's nice to have as well. New driveaxles would be pretty cool. I got all this in mine, so they're out there.
Anyhow - best wishes.
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