Funny how that resemble my own story.

Had a 242t '83 and just fell in love with Volvos until someone smashed into me.

Got a 744ti '89. Drove it and maintained it for 125k km and little over 3 years (payments where just finished). I did fixed for about 1500$ worth of stuff like motor mounts, ball joints, windshield etc few months before I got rid of it. I still had much to do on the car: driver's side window, sun roof non functionnal, blowing smoke when cold - loose compression on cylinder 1 ( valve, rings? turbo maybe for smoke?)AC caput, paint chip, little rust and small things here and there.

The engine still was running ok despite lost compression and the turbo ran perfectly interior was clean but I just had to say enough. I do most of the work myself, saving a lot but I didnt wanted to start rebuilding a car. The still trustable 740 drove me around with pride for a few months in search of well maintained vehicle.

I found a 940ti impeccable condition, sold the 740 and restarted car payments thing. All I have to do now is to maintain it, drive it and enjoy it.

But thats my story. Yours may differ

Volvos are tough cars although they have to be maintained like any others. If the previous owner(s)did not do what he had to do, unfortunatly it will show one day or another.

Good luck.