I think everyone responding forgot that Aaron here said he was a poor student!

So Aaron, where do you plan to get the money for the list of repairs let alone the time to do it all?

Ok, ignoring your source of income, and having been "el cheapo" for 20 years on my cars and trucks I suggest you take head- at the bare minimum- to three things:

As suggested- the brake system. Young lad, you will encounter lots of mountains on that trip you speak of, not to mention your smelly friends and all your stuff.
Go to a Brake Check or some other place. Have them look at your brake pads and rotors. This is a FREE service. Replace pads they deem "close" to replacement time. If a rotor is bad (and have them show you why) get it replaced. Have them flush your brake lines with new fluid ($30).

Cooling system- 300k and sat a long time you say? Nothing will destroy everything else faster than a hot engine. No questions asked, I would replace the water pump ($35-$75) and the two big radiator hoses ($6 ea.). Replace the thermostat ($10) too and flush the system with distilled water 2-3 times. Refill with fresh phosphate-free coolant ($15-$25). Your Volvo will love you long time!

One poster had a list of a spare parts kit. This is a great idea and especially since it sounds to me like you haven't done much work on your ride- a Bentley manual to figure out how to put stuff in if you need to on the fly. The "kit" you could accumulate with 2-3 trips to parts yards and a few things from FCPgroton.com or other source. WHat'd he say? about $150 or so?

Whomever said "get in it and go" is insane and is having a good laugh at your expense. Unless you encounter major brake work, you should be well under $300 provided you do the water pump, hose, rad. flush yourself and don't go overboard with the part kit.

Save all the other "mod" stuff for when you get back cause believe me, after a trip like that you'll have one hell of a list and less money in your wallet. Wait on the blower motor for when you get back to steamy Georgia and really need AC. You're headed west to the dry plains and mountains, not the Southeast humidity belt.

Your Volvo will teach you to be attentive yet frugal, responsible and practical, dedicated and a great sense of value.

And of course, do the basic pre-trip stuff (tire pressure incl. spare, oil change, top off all fluids, LIGHTS!- make sure they all work. Bring spare bulbs, etc...

OR, you could be smart & save your money to put into your car and take the stupid Ford Contour. Or whatever it was.

Have fun young Turk. Lighten the lead on the gas pedal and tell us how it all goes...
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89 245 'loaded' with a Great Pyrenees