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If the clutch is working OK, let it go for a while. You can nurse a sick clutch for a long time. Lots of great suggestions below (mixed in with the War Stories). Clean the engine off and check for easy-to-fix oil leaks higher up on it that drip down and fool people. Check engine oil often...also the power steering reservoir and coolant. These checks take just seconds once the hood is up, and can avoid big problems. Oil pan leaking?...often just needs the pan bolts tightened. Manual trans is a pain to check fluid level, but it can be slightly overfilled and leaks there are usually very minor - ie: the level will stay safe a long time.
Suspension: if the steering is only loose to the point that you need to pay a bit more attention and feed little corrections in, consider delaying the ball jt/tie rod fix and live with it. If the car tries to change lanes when you hit a bump - time to fix. Brakes OK?
Rear susp. bushings are a frequent topic on this BB, given the age and mileage of the cars, but again, likely not a "right-now" fix. They are a matter for the serious home mechanic/masochist...or a pro. Leaky exhaust?...that's a right-now fix.
If the car body and interior are in good shape and you really think you'll have a long term relationship, it will pay off to buy quality parts and do repairs that will last. But $3000 at one shot sounds excessive. Get some unbiased advice about a good indie shop that knows Volvos and start prioritizing the to-do list (and your budget).
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Bob (son's 81-244GL B21F, dtr's 83-244DL B23F, 'my' 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, hobbycar 77 MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)
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