Thanks to everybody-- Colorado Tim, Ron Gonzalez, Michael, Brian, chris herbst...

Tell the truth, I am not familar with cars. And, the first reason I wanna buy a volvo is safty, while the first reason I do NOT wanna buy a volvo is the cost of maintenance, operation, etc. With your advice and experience, I think:

1. Rust is a most important problem for the car.

2. The cost of maintenance, operation are not so high as I thought. (but still high. :-( )

3. Do a VIN check to verify the car's ID. :-)

4. Drive the car with the owner to a mechanic shop, get it checked thoroghly. Also, ask for the probable price to change the old parts.

5. A/C is a crucial point. If the compressor is dead, I'd like to give up the car.

Maybe, later I can take some photos of the car and upload them on the forum. ( Is there a place I can put the photos in? ) So, every one can have a look. Also, some other new buyer can learn a lot from here.

Moreover, I have a suggestion for the host of the forum:

Can you select some typical questions and compile them together in one place, say, something like "owner's focus".

Thanks!

Volvo 240