You put 100K miles on a car that has cost you $5500? Not bad.

Depending on the mechanic, I would also get a second opinion. Especially if it also 'needed' a tune up. If the engine was used in a lot of low rpm driving, it is possible that a valve is stuck in the open position and all that is need is a few high rpm miles.

Then again, it is a 15 year old car. Look on your local Craigslist for a Chevy/Ford/Honda, etc for the 15 year old cars and note the rust and lack of trannies.

As you well know, Volvos do require maintenance to keep running. Unlike BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW, our Volvos can be maintained at home with relatively cheap parts. But, if you have a shop do it for you, it will become cost prohibitive and you still have to be knowledgeable about what kinds of preventative maint that needs to be done that shops ignore.

A used engine/head can be installed for around $1K, depending on labor costs.

I bought my daughter a Subaru Outback, 2008, because she could not maintain a car - any car - and I would not be able to keep the car running for her if she had a problem. She really loved her 1995 854T, but she knew that she needed to have a car that wouldn't require her involvement and would start after not driving it for 6 weeks at a time. She likes her little Subu. But I know that in 3 years, I will have to start worrying about rusting body panels and increasing maint costs.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.