If the 1997 says turbo on the rear deck lid, it is the highpressure turbo. If it is just a GLT, it is a light pressure turbo with around 195bhp. The GLT will get 22 city/28 hwy, the HPT will get 22 city/27hwy. A base engine will get 29hwy. A turbo only uses more gas at 50-100% throttle; I have seen my instant mpg at 5 when on full boost with the HPT, and 99mpg going down long hills with the foot off the gas.

ALL white engine Volvos need at least 89 octane, the company wants you to use 91 octane. The 87 octane will burn your headgasket and foul your O2 sensors. The knock sensors will mess up the timing and add fuel to the mix on warm days, reducing your mpg considerably. Stop using 87 octane.

My 1998 V70 "R" got me 28mpg on the highway and 22 around town. There are a few who claim to do better than that with NA engines. But, then, I never had problems merging into traffic :>)

The turbo that Volvo uses is made by Mitsubishi and is much better than the 940 turbo. They usually last longer than the engine. They do use a little oil, but not enough to register between 5000 mile oil changes.

A turbo model usually comes with electronic climate control. You set the cabin temp and forget about it, the ECC does the rest. Cold or hot, probably one of the best in the automotive industry.

So long as the current owner kept up the maintenance, the car should be in good shape. If all you really want is an econobox that gets 60mpg, try to find an 2000-2002 Honda Insight (or equivilant).

Klaus
--
My advice is 2 cents, so you got what you paid for...