I’ve always liked the looks of the 200 series wagons, and now I’m going to buy one. I need a wagon for my small business, but don’t want something slow if I can help it. This car seems perfect, but I have many concerns.

The car is a 1984 GLT 4-speed with 278,000 miles on it. I’ve seen a handful of photos of it and it’s beautiful. It’s had one owner and has full records from day one. There are just some small spots of rust that is very normal for these cars. Everything works, all windows, mirrors, heater, overdrive, everything. Actually, the AC is shot, but he’s getting a mechanic to figure it out before I buy. He’s including manuals, Thule roof rack, and the car has a trailer hitch installed. The tires are good, the clutch has about 100,000 on it, and as far as I can tell he’s babied the car since he bought it.

He’s asking $2800 for it, is this fair?

Here are my concerns:

I don’t mind taking care of my toys, as long as they take care of me. I’m worried about that turbo dying soon. Is that a valid concern? I’ve been hearing these oil cooled turbos where bad news.

I would like to be able to take care of the car on my own. How do Volvos compare to other cars for DIY work? Will the fact that it’s a turbo change that?

What sort of regular maintenance should I expect? I’ve never owned a turbo, nor even a Volvo. Just an old Chevy. I hate that F’n car :-)

How much horsepower does an 84 GLT have over an 84 DL? Can you feel it? If/When I add an intercooler, how much of a difference will that really make?

Is there a Seattle classic Volvo’s owners club?

What should I look for when I inspect / buy the car?

He says it burns a quart of Mobil-1 synthetic every 2000 to 2500 miles, is that good, damn good, or normal? (sounds awesome to me!)

That’s about all for now. I can’t afford to buy the car if it’s going to be super high maintenance and braking down regularly. But the exterior/interior is so nice it’s hard for me to turn away. Should I go for it?

Thanks!

*Ben*