KlausC gives great advice,

My dealer used to do a Volvo certified used car check for one hour's labor, a second hour for a compression check. If the car had no major issues, I would have them put new plugs in after the compression check if the plugs were suspicious at all.

I would get a written checklist - they can tell you if an ant ever farted in the trunk!

Two and a half years ago, I purchased a 2008 XC70 - I had NO repairs for 2 years after the seller ( a dealer ) repaired the brake pads and vacuum pump.

I figure that repairs cost - Volvo dollars - no matter how pretty it is, needed repairs on a used Volvo purchase can easily cost more than a 16 year old car.