$1000? ... that's from the dealer i'm guessing? that is ridiculously expensive.

what entails a brakejob according to them? just inspecting it and replacing brakepads?

the motor mount job really isn't that difficult if you have the proper tools.

i don't possibly see how it could cost $1000.

motor mounts: hydraulic mounts, $85-90 each, ~$180 total. front brake pads, $28. caliper pins (if purchased from dealer), $45, and this is assuming yours have a problem. otherwise, you don't have to replace these. total cost for parts: ~$250

motor mount labor time spent by mechanic: 1 hour
brake job/inspection: 30 minutes

$750/hour is quite an expensive rate for your mechanic to be charging. ;)

i totally understand if you don't have the time or ability to do the repairs yourself. i didn't. but $1000 for those 2 jobs is highway robbery.

my 2 cents. :)

edit: i think i misread your post. it says new buyer check points. what does it include besides the motor mounts and brakes? give us an idea of what else is 'broken' and we'll let you know if it's easy or hard to do and how much it should cost overall.
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Kenric Tam
1990 Volvo 740 base sedan (B230F)
My Volvo 'Project'