Allan in NJ's experience is almost scarily identical to mine! Bought our beige 83-244DL in August 83 with 8500 miles on it. Paid $11k. Basic taxicab stripper, but with A/C. Now has 145k miles. Most of his comments are true for me except I only replaced one water pump. Engine has had one valve adjustment. Now on its third exhaust system...with aftermarket cat, it passed CA smog test last week with ease - original O2 sensor. Injectors, AMM, ECU, etc, have never been touched. No wiring problems under the hood yet but the stories scare me. Gave up putting seal kits in steering rack and got a "Volvo-approved" rebuilt - three yrs now and no leaks. Had the paint redone from the side molding down due to stone chips, scratches, and small rust bubbles from 16 Canadian winters. Remaining factory paint is still glossy - can't tell it from the new stuff.

Suspension, radiator, drivetrain, all electrical stuff is exactly what came off the boat (delivered to dlr in Dec 82). Second set of rotors on all 4. New calipers on front. (Lotta city stop 'n go.) New motor mounts at 100k. Car is now in semi-retirement in southern Calif. as my daughter's college commuter. She hated it at first, now plans to drive it forever. Sneers at "valley girls" who can't drive a manual trans.