I recently bought a '95 850 Turbo wagon with 59k on it. Esentially one owner with only minimal maintenance (basic's but no tinkering). The only significant things PO did that I can find are that he replaced front strust and seats at about 55k (with Bilsteins) because he thought the ride had deteriorated, and he had some amount of AC work done a couple of years ago which did not include a diagnosis of bad evaporator. I believe it was probably just the seats (bushings) since the struts usually last much longer. Otherewise just brake pads on front also at 55k, and full 30k service plus interim oil changes. However, PO did have a list of "issues" that he wanted to be sure I was aware of (this is a good friend as well as PO). List included following (and my diagnosis): Service light (60k just due), check engine light (one rubber elbow at manifold), flashing up arrow and transmission mode lights (corrosion on PNP switch cured by 20-30 runs of shifter up and down its range -see Bay 13), suspect heat (bad thermostat), AC inoperative (I recharged to set a base line, and it is fine so far, so it is a small leak somewhere - to be identified later), one dash light burned out ( I replaced all bulbs in and out since it had been using daytime running lights for 9 years), tailgate rattles (tailgate panel repair kit), tailgate struts failing (replaced), and cloth on the sunroof shade falling down (reglued). After tinkering for a month on and off, all of the above is done, the trans., coolant and brake fluids are flushed (none very bad), full 60k done incl new cap, rotor, plugs, air filter), new T-belt done due to age risk, new rear pads (but old Volvo pads still about 40%), and I can't find another thing that needs any attention. Other than oil, there is also nothing else recommended for service for the next 30k, assuming I run that up faster than the PO did ;-). At this point the car looks new inside and out, and runs the same - very sweet. I did everything myself except T-belt and trans. flush, and the total all-up cost of above is just about $560. including shop bill for belt and flush. Obviously, no assurances for next month, but I'll take that with a smile.
--
Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (171k), '93 965 (147k), '95 855T (60k), '98 V70XC (78k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k).