Too bad that the previous owner didn't look after your 744 GLE properly. Volvo does make fine cars but just like anything else in life, if you don't look after it, it will show in the end!

Anyway, I have just picked a 764T with only 96k original miles from my mechanic. One of his customers traded it in for a newer unit. He had to replace the turbo as it made a lot of noise and was in its last lag.

The engine is still pretty strong and quiet. It sounds like it could go another 100k miles. Both exterior and interior of the vehicle are in exceptionally good condition. No holes in the headliners, no cracks (yet!)on the dash, no burn holes on the leather seats but they are showing their age (14 yrs old). There is a slight wind noise from the sunroof but nothing that the stereo cannot drown out!

There is a buzzing noise coming from the vacuum booster unit located on the fire wall on the driver side. My mechanic said that if the noise is bothering me, it would be okay to have the unit disconnected or bypassed. I understand that both the climate control system and braking system work off vacuum. Any comments on any potential safety concerns?

I'm considering using synthetic oil and wondering if anyone could offer me comments on the benefits or pros in using the expensive oil and its cost effectiveness! With already almost 100k on the odometer, may be it is too late to switch over to synthetic stuff!

Your inputs on the vacuum and oil issues would be appreciated.