My 1995 Volvo 850 GLE wagon (bought with 80k km and now up to 190k km) has been pricey to repair and maintain. Disappointments included a failed rear main seal at 108k km, sudden total brake loss from hose failure at left front wheel at around 175k km, and front steering stabilizer links that need to be replaced every 20k km at $230 CDN a pop (unless you squeek in under the warranty from the last repair, but don't go a day over- Volvo (Canada) "isn't in a position" to back you up.)

You may do better with aftermarket parts and independent garages - I'm leaning this way as my "stick with the genuine P&S for the warranty support and expertise" doesn't seem to be working out all that well.

Total maintenance, tires, and repair costs over my 4 years of ownership have averaged $3000 CDN a year, averaging about 28k km of driving each year.

And I haven't even run into the notorious electrical and A/C problems everyone talks about. The body's been fine through its 7 winters with salt on the roads for 4 months each winter.
The car is awesome otherwise. Great comfort and utility for long trips in all weather. But I hate to admit my friend has had a far better experience with his 1995 Toyota Camry.