I'm a Volvo 240 1980s era person, but I have a deal in the works that I wanted to run by those of you who are familiar with V40s. As to my bias, the 1980s turbo Volvos were horrible, so I might be unreasonably phobic of all turbos. I love rear-wheel drives because I like to have space to work in the engine bay; I'm not a fan of front-wheel drives for that same reason.

She gave me a VIN which is consistent with a 2003 V40 wagon. The only other thing that I independently confirmed is that the car passed smog on 7/22/14, thanks to the DMV's website, but I tend to believe the seller.

Seller reports:
title is in her name (not an auction buyer/flipper)
244k miles and odometer works
2nd owner who has all service records since new
clear title
has another car and money problems, and thus owes $240 in back DMV fees with time pressure due to accruing DMV fees

I do NOT know if it's an automatic or manual. How, if at all, can I tell from the VIN #?

Car problems:
needs heater core
tires are bald (unclear if all four or just front)
left strut needs replacement (right was just replaced)

Edmunds.com values the car at $1,213 for average condition, dinging the mileage and average condition $1026 and $1201, respectively.
She asked me to name a price and hinted that she was very flexible

Is this car a good deal at any price?
What is the most I should pay for this car?
what am I getting into (I'm half serious with this question)?
what preventive maintenance repairs should I do if I buy the car (e.g. timing belt)?
I use only synthetic and Mann/OEM oil filters; what type of synthetic motor oil is best?
What are common problems with these cars, especially at 244k miles?
What is your guesstimate as to how long the engine will last?

Thanks!