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Hello, We just bought a 1995 850 GLT wagon "as is" from the volvo dealer at a used car tent sale. We are not mechanically inclined and that was the first Volvo we ever test drived. I can't believe we did it. I was really sweating it until my mechanic checked it out and said it was O.K. and only needed a tune-up because the spark plugs were fireing too high. It as 109K miles on it and had 1 owner who had maintenance records. My mechanic doesn't work on volvo's too much but he could look at my car right away. The records look like the car's been well maintained and the timing belt was changed at 70K as recommended. The manuel says to change oil ever 5K if car is used for city driving and that was done 4/2004. I've asked around for where good volvo mechanics in my area (Sacramento, CA) so should I get the car inspected by a volvo mechanic and see what he recommends and then go from there? Should I change the oil every 5K or every 3K? (The manuel said 10 K if highway driving - but that sounds pretty long). Should I plan on having the car checked once or twice a year just to maintain it and how much is the average maintenance costs for a 1995 850? We don't plan to drive the car much - maybe 5-6K a year but we want to be able to take it out of town and not get stranded. I had heard about the service lights coming on and is it safe to drive with the light on? Do you know of some basic books that I can read to learn more about my car? Thanks so much. Do you recommend Volvo parts only and only going to a mechanic that works on volvo or German cars or would it be O.K. to go to a mechanic who works on Japanese cars? Thanks for the advice. and hope this post is not too long.
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