Owner of a 1988 Volvo 245 wagon with 125K and some minor rocker panel rust.
I was anticipating some serious maintenance this spring and now have a heater blower project to add to it since mine just started making a noise that frightens me and any passengers.

Work to do this spring:
1. Brakes (dust shield, rotors, pads) all 4.
2. Front passenger side ball joint.
3. Header pipe.
4. Tailgate wiring harness or new relay (I keep cleaning the contacts but the middle brake light keeps failing within a month after I clean and di-electric contacts).
4. Tire store keep telling me that I need new inner and out tie rods and front wheel bearings but my volvo mechanic says I'm okay. However, I still have a slight shake at high speeds 70mph on up even after several alignments and wheel balancing, so I'm debating doing these as well. Might also be bushing?
5. Now have a Heater Blower project (this might have to get done earlier since it's freezing in Boston).

Routine work I've been putting off.
6. Timing belt.
7. Fluid Flush (antifreeze, tranny, power stearing, etc.)
8. Other belts.
9. Flame trap.
10. Fuel filter.

My goals to accomplish but keep getting sidetracked by other projects.
11. Fixing the AC (new o-rings, temp sensor under evaporator, dryer, and hose from condenser to compressor)

I'm fairly resourceful however, all of these major repairs that need to be done will be my first time. I'm also nervous this will end up costing me several K, depending on how much of it I can do myself. I'm sort of debating finding a used 240 where this work has already been done and won't need these major projects for another 100,000 miles.

Thoughts or suggestions?