Thanks to all for the input. I get the sense that you responders, and other posters, are very happy with their car when things are working right, that the cars must have scheduled maintenance performed, and dealerships - at best - have a spotty record.

In case you're interested, I had the car inspected yesterday by a co-worker's brother who used to be a Volvo mechanic and owns several himself. He was very thorough and found some problems: leaking radiator, bad fr tranny mount, bad fr mtr mount, original coolant and fuel filter, bad front tie rod bushings, bad front stabilizer bar bushings, oil leak around turbo, worn timing belt, bad fr strut, needs tune-up, dirty throttle-body - basically the car has not been well maintained. Mechanic also mentioned that ABS modules, and A/C evaporators are prone to failure around 70-75k mi. But engine and tranny are tight, with good exterior and VG interior, so I haven't given up as long as price is right.

What about city/hwy gas mileage? tire wear (car is fwd)? were roof racks an option with these?