I bought my first Volvo, the '95 850 Turbo wagon, in January 2001. It was a one owner, dealer serviced local car. The owner was the professional daughter of the senior sale person at the dealership and she paid cash for it.

When I was looking at it (on a Lexus lot) it had about 70,000 miles on it and the Volvo dealership let me sit down with the 1" thick service records folder. They all knew the PO personally and assured me the car had been well maintained and by the records it indeed was. Every time "she heard a squeak, squeal or a light was out, she brought it in." This was in addition to all the scheduled maintenance.

I learned from the records that the trans had been replaced under warranty at 56k (rear seal too) and that brake rotors had been changed every other pad change, strut mounts replaced etc.

I do 90% of my own work and after digging around the engine compartment I'll say I am not at all impressed with how the dealer's service dept left things after the trans change. Wiring harnesses, vacumn lines, the turbo control valve, O2 sensor connector bracket, front trans mount & power steering lines were all left hanging loose.

When I go there (rarely) to get a part I can't find online or need quickly I cringe at the hosing I hear them giving unsuspecting customers in the service area.

My advice? Stick with Volvo but find a late model 940 turbo sedan or wagon with SIPS and airbag, buy a small toolbox with a few wrenches, spend some time on the RWD side of Brickboard and live happy.

Best regards,
--
Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 190,000 miles, '95 855t 92,000 miles