I signed up here to educate myself about buying a used Volvo, since I'm interested in the safety. My only advice to you is based on my own experience. Within the past week I've seen two comp. Volvos selling in better condition and for less $$ than what you're looking at.

Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 1995, one owner, 'regularly maintained' 850 turbo wagon with 125,000 for $3k. I missed out on a 94 850 sport wagon for $2500 (needed A/C work but otherwise good mech. condition). I live in Los Angeles, so maybe there are more available here? I also have been checking on a daily basis three internet newspaper sources (cars.com, craigslist.com, and edmunds/autotrader.com).

I would skip it and just look for something better to come along. You have the luxury of time I am assuming? And if a car has a ripped seat (you seemed smitten with the perfect interior) I'm guessing it might be cheaper to replace one seat in lieu of all the repairs you may have to make on the car you're looking at now (that is, I'd prioritize a well maintained engine over interior). Just my opinion...obviously I have no experience with souping a car up and what is valuable in that situation.

That said, I'll use this as an opp. to ask people for advice/help. I've been trying to compile information as to what to check when I take a look at the aforementioned car (to see if it's indeed in good basic condition before I take it to a mechanic to check out). For this model so far I have:

1. Check the timing belt was taken care of at 70ishk miles, and water pump at around 110k
2. Oil changed regularly
3. Front engine mounts and crank pully at 80k
4. Check the A/C
5. When test driving warm up the car on the freeway and check the tranny fluid (I'll have to look up how exactly this is done)
6. Check that the transmission/gears all seem to function well

Is there a way for me to check the turbo, aside from actually driving the car?

It sounds kind of unusual..it's an amethyst color!

Any input is welcome. Good luck with the car, Boogie850!!

Saskia