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Sounds like you may have a mentor close at hand. That is a good thing with any car you buy if you plan to maintain it yourself. I am not sure that parts for Volvos are any higher in general. I have compared prices with other owners and the bottom line is they all cost more than we would like to think they should.
It is a great idea to buy a car with service histry, but this isn't always possible. I try to buy a car from a family in the 'nicer part of town'. This usually leads to a car that has been well maintained. You can tell if the car has been neglected or abused. Even the owner of a well maintained car may let service slide during the last 6 months or year if they know they are going to get rid of it. Plan for $500 in repairs, maybe less maybe more, than your purchase price for any used car you buy. This way you won't be frustrated.
Don't know where you are, but in my area if you are patient you can get ito a solid car, including the $500 reserve, for about $1500 to $2500. This is however an area where Volvos have been popular for some time. Example: About 8 months ago I purchased a '90 240 with 150,K miles for $800 and put about $600 more into it and not a penny since. This was my best deal of all, but others here have posted similar stories.
Good luck. Since you are posting here and asing, it is a good sign that you will enjoy a Volvo. I have three kids (daughter 23, daugher 21 and son 21), two drive Volvos. Oldest daughter loves her '87 740, Son with the '90 240 is glad to have any transportation, and my other daughter will only drive a Volvo under duress - Her car is waiting for the weather to improve so I can paint the body repairs and she is putting around in my '94 850 while I am getting acquainted with the new '89 760 turbo.
Read the information in the 740 FAQ before you buy. Much of the information will hold true for a 240 as well. Ask your friend's father if he will look at the car before you buy.
Dan
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