The Sled (1989-740 Turbo Wagon)when in for Phase 2 repairs & here's the results:

* Replace Rear Rotors & Pads, shims etc..

* Emergency Brake Shoes & Retainer

* Pinion Seal

* Inner Rear Axle Seals

* Remove Rear Differencial Cover & Clean Rear Axle Housings/Replace gasket

* Re-Check A/C no leaks found (hmmm??)

* Replace misc. vac hoses that were cracked

Total damage $607.00

Left to do: rebuild throttle body? $160 parts plus 1 hour labor

To date, have replaced front & rear brakes (rotors & pads), rear seals (inner), bearings looked fine so outer seals were left untouched. Recharge of AC with dye & new oil etc, no leaks found since then. An oil change for good luck & a front to back inspection looking for future problems or additional work?

Report from shop, good solid car that will run forever with care & luck. No other obvious problems found during the days in the shop. Owner reported that the car looked fit all around other than the listed issues that have been repaired, no rust, solid frame etc..

Having bought the "lead sled" for $3,400 with numerous dealer related "hack" repairs during the 1st 30 days, had to bring her to someone who knew what he was doing. Total outlay to date, $1,200 in repairs plus cost of vehicle. The shop tells me that @ $4,600 so far that I am ahead of the game given the condition of the car. With 200,800 miles, flawless (almost) both outside & inside, I guess I've done ok, not sure.

Either way, I'm into it now. Having driven the wife's Saturn wagon while the sled was in the shop, I can say I am glad to have the 740 back in the driveway. The Saturn is quick & nimble and moves along pretty well if you like driving with your knees up at your chin. Getting in & out of this car is an adventure if you are more than five feet tall.

OK, enough for now. I've got a 1989-740 Turbo Wagon with 200K that has run me $4,600 year to date (4 months) for purchase cost & repairs to date with a mechanic's vow that she will be solid for some time.

Did I do good? If you tell me I got screwed, there is nothing I can do at this point anyway but live & learn. For now, I feel ok about the whole deal (even though I'm going back after the dealer shumck who sold me the car to try an extort partial payment for the recent $1,200 of fixes that he said he did & owed me under the warranty period). I still love this car & enjoy driving it despite the recent outlay of cash. Hope to keep her running for some time (waiting for the 200k badge to arrive from Volvo)

Time to go....Happy July 4th

Regards,

Mike