Hi,
I am trying to decide if I should buy a 1986 245 dl, automatic, white w/ tan leather inside. 164,000 miles.

the good:
Cosmeticaly good-two tears in seats, one rust spot on hood, paint seems fine. engine starts insantly and engine runs fine. Belts look new, and a new catalytic converter reciently installed (probabaly for the california emissions tests). cheap


the bad?:
Salvaged title but I can find no signs of damage, body work, or repaint. Rear right side door sticks a bit. Leaks transmission fluid - owner believes this is at the seal between motor and trany. Does not/maybe go into overdrive gear- owner beleives this may be a fuse or a burnt conection behind dash? The shift from 1st to second is just a bit rough. I think this may have gotten worse as the transmission heated up - 20 -30 min. of slow city driveing with some hills. I checked fluid cold, it appeared to be way overfilled though I have never check a volvo's fluids so I don't know if you check with stick fully inserted? I thought this may have been done by owner to counter the leak. The fluid seemed clean.

The deal: I have not owned a 4 wheel vehicle for about 9 yrs, or since high school. The most I have done to my car is breaks, though I have lent a hand to various friends vehicles. I have been riding/fixing/maitaining, my 1980's motorcycles for a while to some success, and enjoy it... most of the time.

My questions: what are the odds that i am going to have to replace/repair this transmission? Is it possible for me to do it? How much is a used/rebuilt automatic? If it does break, what will happen, say if I'm a hundred miles from home? Are there any other issues with this model, or year?

I really like the car but... Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

thanks,
nathan