Those first few months of ownership are definitely the worst - that's when we discover precisely why the car was for sale in the first place and have to deal with those immediate issues. Though I agree with the others that $1500 was not a good deal for the shocks, I don't think you did too badly with the wiring harness work, if indeed it included the alternator. As long as the body isn't full of holes, and the car is running well, you should be just about out of the woods and the next couple of years of driving should justify the money you've put into maintenance the previous owner neglected. Unless, of course, you prefer not to get your hands dirty and intend to pay someone else to take care of the pesky little Volvoisms that crop up now and then, like heater fans and trailing arm bushings - then it's going to start adding up.
--
Chris, Dartmouth NS Canada 70 M-B 280SE, 83 245DL, 84 244 turbo, 90 780 turbo, 92 VW Golf, 90 740 Rex/Regina