Dear 1908242DLa,

Hope you're well. I've read others' replies so try to avoid duplication. You should ask to see the maintenance records. A mechanic, who sells a car for the owner, must know the owner and so have some maintenance records, or be able to get them. A car that has had regular oil changes - proved by maintenance records (not verbal assurances) - likely has had other maintenance done on time and properly.

As to spare parts, many "mission critical" parts - e.g., fuel pumps, fuel pressure regulators, ignition power states, etc. - are "no longer available" (NLA) from Volvo. These items may be found from salvage yards. As used parts' reliability/durability cannot be assured, it is best to have more than one of each type.

As to wiring diagrams, be advised that Volvo relied on Bosch or Bendix (Rex-Regina) engine and ignition management systems. Even so, some of those parts interchange (e.g., fuel pressure regulators [despite size difference], injectors, fuel injection relay, etc.). But engine and ignition computers are completely different and don't interchange. A Volvo wiring diagram will show both systems' wiring.

Bosch systems have a cylindrical coil, mounted atop the passenger-side suspension housing brace. Bendix systems have a square coil, mounted on the driver-side suspension housing (front face). A quick look at the engine will tell the story, or you can get the Vehicle Identification Number.

You can check the condition of struts and shocks as follows: put your foot on each bumper corner, press down hard, and release. If the bumper springs up and then does not move, the shocks/struts are in good shape. If the bumper springs up, then bounces a couple of times, the shocks/struts need to be replaced. Shocks and struts are available.

I concur with others that it is wise to have an inspection done by a mechanic, familiar with rear-wheel-drive Volvos. You can do a preliminary screening. For oil and automatic transmission fluid, look at the dipsticks. If the ATF is other than a clear, rosy red, the ATF needs to be changed. Brown or Black ATF shows neglect. Orange and/or a burnt aroma suggests over-heating. If engine oil is milky, that suggests a head-gasket leak: coolant has gotten into the oil.

If the head-gasket has not been changed, it is likely to need doing before too many more miles have been recorded.

If this car has been properly maintained, it could another 200,000 miles, presuming a head-gasket replacement is done. So, if you want to buy it and plan to keep it for a while, I get a complete head-gasket kit and "put it on the shelf". For, by the time you need it, such kits may not be available.

Any warranty needs to be more than an e-mail. It needs to list the parts/systems covered and the length of time. The more specifics, the less likely unpleasant surprises.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook