In regards to the discussions on using Volvo Blue Engine Coolant, does anyone have an idea on how long the engine block can stand another coolant before coolant seepage starts? I have found a very nice S90 with 84K miles and the owner is asking $8500. My only concern is that the engine coolant is not blue -- instead it appears to be Prestone or some other brand that is a Greenish to yellowish color. Should I stay clear of this seemingly flawless vehicle?
Also, what is the rationale for using synthetic oil in these vehicles? Are the seals compatible? How often should the synthetic oil be changed? Castrol not good enough?
Thanks in advance!

With regards to the anti-freeze being blue I have used products that are specified for diesel engines with no problems with leaks
Doug Burhoe 95 940 Turbo 98 s90

I've got two of these cars (one since new) and I've never even seen BLUE coolant. And I buy the Volvo coolant from the dealer.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100

i use prestone.works for me.just keep it flushed as indicated.every 2yrs i believe.
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92-965-221k, 94-965-220k, 92-944t-211k

Well lets see now, my car is past 184k, has been run on the "Green stuff" for the last 5 or 6 years now and is doing pretty good so far. Seriously, Volvo isnt the only manufacturer to ever make aluminum block engines so why the hubub over having "Blue" coolant is beyond me. If the car has 84k, is a good price I would go for it. If it makes you feel better, flush it out and put in whatever you want. Make sure you keep your maintenance up to date and you will have a very nice ride. Good Luck.
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97 S90 with 184K miles still going strong

Clearly the car started out with Volvo coolant, and could have remained so most of its life, like 60K. I don't know much about the metallurgy, but I wouldn't worry about it; just change it. To me the seepage problem was never attributable to the coolant, it it frequently happened at an early interval with the very early model years (92-94)
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 115K