I've put my replies in CAPS:

The 945T AC problem could be that the engine fan is not activated with the compressor. I forgot if the 945 has 1 or two engine fans, if 2 then it is an easy problem to repair.

IT'S GOT TWO FANS. THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ROBERTO (MECHANIC) SAYS MAKES IT A BETTER UNIT THAN THE 240.

The 945T should have power seats, heated. No need to lower the rear bar with a wrench.

THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS POWER. NOT THE PASSENGER SIDE. PASSENGER HAS A FORWARD/BACK BAR, LUMBAR KNOB, AND BACK OF SEAT INCLINE KNOB. TO CHANGE THE ACTUAL INCLINE AND HEIGHT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT REQUIRES A TOOL. IT'S EXPLAINED IN THE MANUAL.

The vibration could be simple, like fouled plugs, or massive like a failed head gasket. I would ask the mechanic for a compression check, easy to do on the 4 banger.

I'LL DO THAT, THANKS.

There are lots of 850 wagons around. Check the Richmond Craigslist just for fun. I thought I saw a turbo model, but it was NOT a T5, just a plain go fast turbo. The front seats were trashed, but a pick & pull will have lots of seats and the S/V70 seats will fit (1998) if you can figure out the wiring. Seats here in Minnesota are $22 each, just hard to find good ones.



This is just clean, but the mileage is suspect. Note that the trip odo is a zero and the seats are too trashed for under 140K miles.
http://richmond.craigslist.org/ctd/4544356093.html
Its not easy to get the mileage from the instrument cluster, but it can be done. This has an impact on the timing belt change interval (70K). Usually there is a sticker on the computer box in the engine compartment, passenger side.

THANKS FOR THESE SUGGESTIONS, BUT WHATEVER WE GET HAS TO HAVE THE WIFE'S STAMP OF APPROVAL. IT'S HER WORK VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 2/3 OF THE YEAR. AND SHE'S NOT COMING DOWN TO RICHMOND WITH ME.

WE'VE BOUGHT TWO 10 YEAR OLD VOLVOS IN THE PAST 25 YEARS. PAID CASH FOR EACH AND IT WAS DONE. WE JUST LOOK AT THE MAINTENANCE AS A NECESSARY EVIL AND ONE THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN PAYING MORE FOR INSURANCE AND MAKING PAYMENTS ON A NEWER OR BRAND NEW MODEL.

WE CAN DO THAT WITH THIS 940T. I THINK IT'S A GOOD, SOLID CAR. PUT DOWN $3K (or $2.5K) AND HAVE IT DONE. OR WE CAN GET SOMETHING NEWER LIKE A V70. THE BIG QUESTION HERE IS WHETHER THE NEWER CAR, AT A MORE EXPENSIVE PRICE, WOULD END UP COSTING AS MUCH IF NOT MORE IN REPAIRS, PER YEAR, AS THE 940T. PLUS ADDED COST OF INSURANCE.

WHATEVER WE GET HAS TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THESE CITY STREETS. THAT'S A MUST.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

MINE, TOO. I LIKE AUDI'S, TOO...BUT THEY'RE MORE EXPENSIVE.