I'm considering buying an 88, volvo sedan for 900 bux with a beautiful engine and body. I took it to a mechanic to check it out and he hit me with 2000 bux of repair, including a $400 "major service" just to change out all the filters, cap & rotor oil plugs etc. And of course almost $400 bux just to change the break pads and another 800 sum to "fix" the struts and shocks. These all sound like the typical standard list of items every mechanic says every car needs no matter what shape it is in? Is this a correct assumption. The car has only had one owner who has done all the regular oil and filter changes. Of this mechanics list of so called important items he mentioned that the "pinion-seal" was leaking 360 degrees. This was the only thing that didn't seem standard and I wondered if it was a serious thing. Since he is only charging $125 for it it sounds like it is a very easy thing to fix myself. Any advice anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

Phil Schmerbeck
Brooklyn, NY