If you're not familiar with old Volvos, my best advice to you (if it's an option?) is to take that car to someone who knows Volvos (dealer or indy, by word of mouth is probably best) who can look the potential car over and tell you what's wrong with it. Most shops will probably charge you about 1 hours labor but that money spent could save you a bundle if the car's worse than what you might think otherwise.

I see alot of older Volvos that I would want myself due to too many problems and overall poor condition BUT maybe I've just been working on them for too long now too?