That's not much money for a car. Avoid the 93 850, and 1999-2001 S/V70s. Most of the cars in your price range will have 150K+ miles and need suspension parts. Not that they are hard to do, just more money. At least Volvos don't rust anymore.

A head gasket was easy on the older cars. The 5 cylinder is a nightmare to replace - about 3 days if all goes well but it never does.

The AWD cars require 4 new tires, not just 1 or 2. Plus the hassle of the transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid.

Always check the ATF for color. If it is brown or worse, skip it.

The 850 has the window controls in the center console, under the flimsy cup holders. The 1998+ are on the doors.

The AC evaporator tends to leak with age. 10 hours to replace (just like the blower for the 240), the entire dash comes out.

The 1994-5 were the last cars to have onboard diagnostics, after that you will have to get a generic code reader.

Remember, 1998 was 14 years ago!!

A jetta wagon with TDI (diesel) gets 40-50+ mpg!! And no spark plugs.

Klaus
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