Guys,
I'm on the fence here....don't know what to do. I absolutely love the 740, but it's gonna' need about $5,000 to make it perfect for me (new paint, new interior, and some misc. mechanical repairs). Besides the grinding noise I posted earlier (thinking it's a pulley somewhere), it has developed some light surface rust on the roof that needs to be addressed. It also is getting long in the tooth on the interior (torn driver's seat and a torn upper panel on the back seat). The car has over 250K on it. I almost purchased a S60 on Friday for 8K, but got outbid. I"m looking at a 1997 S60 (one owner, Volvo Dealer stamped in the owner's manual -last serviced by Park Place Volvo in Dallas @ 112,000, and never wrecked) for 4K with 123,000 miles. Cosmetically, it's flawless. 'Like new" paint (original) and "like new" interior (minor wear on driver's seat). I've read some past posts about this model and am very curious about some of the things I've read. Are these car's really money pits compared to the infamous red block's? I'm looking for something as reliable and "cheap" to operate as my 740......sure wish they still made this car ! I want to get into another Volvo, but don't want another project car. Any advise/suggestions is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Vinnie