I'm almost back to the ranks of Volvo owners. I've been watching for a cheap learn-to -drive car for teaching my daughter, also tired of the rough ride of the reliable but rough Courier I aquired after my 142e died.

It's a '80 GL 4 door automatic with a dead blower motor. Door handles are "sticky", the kind that takes a magic chant and a hard jerk to open. Power steering belts squealed when first getting out of the tight parking spot. Two power windows are inoperative. The sunroof opens and closes but makes stipping-out noises if not assisted but isn't leaking. The windshield has a 4" bullseye crack low on the passenger side. Has a mystery coolant leak, not a gusher and not into the oil.

The body looked straight, even the wells in the trunk behind the wheels are in good shape. Tires are good, steering smooth, starts easy. Interior in good shape, a little dirty but intact. It looked like so much better a deal than my 142e (which was given to me) that I didn't even haggle when the owner dropped from $500 to $400 because he wanted it gon so he would have a place to park the 740 that replaced the 240. If you know about Seattle neighborhoods without driveways or garages, you know that is a legit reason. Probably the most cursory lookover and test drive I've ever done, but it felt better than most. Anybody want to predict my coming grief level?