Hi all!

Well, as some of you already know, I acquired a 1983 245 recently. It runs fine, and I just love it! But it does have some problems that comes with purchasing a 13 year old car. It will need to fix my overdrive, four new shocks, new windshield wiper inserts (which I got already), an oil change, transmission change (both for a piece of mind), new muffler, and some where down the line, a new paint job (did Volvo use bio-degradeable paint in the 80's?). I will probably re-paint it silver.

These problems, I hope, are simple ones. My biggest concern is the smog check. I know my car needs a new muffler, as I can hear the exhaust "putting." I guess it would be logical to take care of the muffler first and then smog it. Now, will a good/bad muffler on a car effect the outcome of a smog check? The previous owner had this car smogged in 8/99 and it passed. Does that mean it will pass again when I go do it? My biggest fear is that it might not and someone told me I may have to get a new engine! What?! Please tell me that is a rare occurrence! If it's the cat. converter, will that be a cheap fix?

I really want to get my "new" ride on the road and enjoy it. BTW, I'm in southern CA. When I go to the DMV, can I just do the transfer of title first and then register it along with the smog/insurance certificate?

Thanks!