OK, this is a somewhat long one. I bought a used 1990 240 Volvo wagon. 227,500 miles. It's what I really wanted and knew that it could be somewhat of a project to make it pretty and keep it happy.

I actually bought this wagon on eBay...yes, eBay. The photos were good, they said that the car was good, on the phone they said no rust, car is in great shape. So I bid my little heard out. At the end of the auction, I was being outbid and have to admit that I got a little competitive. I held out till the last minute and won at $2,125. I was a happy camper.

We drove down to get the car and then I wasn't so happy. Since I am not mechanically experienced, I focused on the cosmetic issues like how dirty and stinky the inside of the car is and the ugly pinstriping on it that is, thank God, just tape and not paint. These things I knew could easily be remedied. Since winning an eBay item is a contract, I signed the paperwork, etc. My boyfriend got into the car and started driving it and this lound "thump" noise started coming from the back. And the engine light was on. We both got a little scared. So, the swarmy guy that sold me the car (turns out he is a used car dealer anyway...great) told me that he'd give us $500.00 and then did so. So, we got the car for $1,600. We figured that we'd have to put about $500.00 into it for repairs and then a little more for looks. I wasn't thrilled about it, but happier now that I had more money to put into the vehicle.

The dealers drove away, I opened the back passenger side door and guess what? There is a giant rust hole. I can almost put my fist into it. I'm a woman and don't have huge hands, but still! I wasn't happy about that, but it was in a place where it could easily be fixed.

I took the car to the mechanic. A very well liked and respected guy who specializes in Volvos. Everyone told me to go to him. And, much to my dismay, I now have a huge list of repairs that will cost me more than the car itself. Then we have the cosmetic issues (which include getting the stinky smoke smell out of the car, which is pretty important to me) that I'd certainly like to take care off before too long.

Here is a list of what is wrong with the car (mechanically):

1.Oil leak in front of engine; seals need to be replaced
2.Timing belt bad and needs to be replaced
3.Water pump leaking out of top seal caused by engine leak (see #1); seals need to be replaced
4.Oxygen sensor broken
5.Front bushings need to be replaced
6.Front ball joint pad needs to be replaced
7.Front inner tie rod needs to be repaired
8.Lower steering universal needs to be repaired
9.Rear electrical harness needs to be replaced
10. Two rust holes

The good news is that besides the two rust holes that are not obvious, the body is in great shape. The transmission, clutch, etc. are good. Engine is strong. Tires good. It'll clean up pretty well and I'll also replace some of the inside stuff like the console and ebrake handle.

But I guess what I am wondering, is if anyone has an opinion here. I realize that the things that have gone wrong are 'normal' things and that if the last owner had just fixed them one by one, it would not be a huge deal. If we had the time, we'd fix them one by one, but there is a lot wrong with the car and we can't just not use it for two months. I've contacted the sellers and let them know that I was not happy. If they offer to give me, say, $500.00 back so that the car was bought for about $1,100.00 do you guys think that it's worth it? The mechanic seems to think that once this work is done, the car will be in great shape. I am torn because I've already put about $500.00 into the car for tax, title, registration, etc. And I'd lose that if I gave the car back. That would give me only about $2,500.00 for a new Volvo, including repairs.

Any advice or thoughts, not on how to spend my money, but on this car, would be appreciated very much.

Thanks,

Julie