Smart thing to do is find the independent shop that you would use first.
Do this now, as you are already interested.
The shop should be either all Volvo or 80% Volvo. They will know what to look for: rear main seal,$700, AC evap, etc. & even small things that might 'seem' fine, like the tires, [tread looks good, but sidewalls have tiny cracks= dry rot> replace> $450+], brake rotors past minimum thickness $200-$300, battery $100.
Of course I'm listing things that happened to me. I thought buying from a dealer (also 100 mi. away) with service records would be very safe, but I had to do all of the above except for the AC evap, & I'm holding my breath on that. I've found a couple of really good independent shops since the purchase, but still wish I had it looked over to begin with. The car got me excited when I drove it, and I still love it.
Good luck & Have fun.
PS. Don't do test drives by proxy
Bill

'97 855na (wagon) purch w/110K, now at 124K
K&N air filter, Mobil 1, IPD wiper relay, V70 roof rack