Seller has no mechanical history information. Selling for $1,275. Great cosmetic condition. Does not know if timing belt has been replaced. I’m not a car guy. Just need some advice. Always loved Volvo’s. Have driven 3 Saab’s. Latest one has bit the dust. Thank you al in advance !!

 

In brief (running to work):
1)If automatic, warm it up and drive at kooky, off speeds around a village to see if it screws up on shifting.
2)See if the gauges all function. See if the blue light comes on with the bright lights.
3)Turbo or no?
4)In all likelihood the timing belt hasn't been changed. Many kits do include a small white log sticker (1" X 2.25") to place on the timing belt cover.
5)AWD or FWD?
6)From a standstill does the car thump or bump at all when going backwards? This is a sign of broken handbrake shoe material. Not conclusive but it doesn't have to be as you should remove at least one rear rotor to see the condition of the parking brakes.
7)How piggy does it drive? Front struts and rear shocks will be gone by 147K
8)Open the coolant reservoir and stick your nose in there and if it smells like exhaust there's a HG leak.
9)Go look at the coolant itself and tell us what color it is.
10)Assume the brake fluid hasn't ever been flushed. During your go-rounds place a drop or two of penetrant on the brake bleed nipples (wire brush the dirt away first). Do this several times because you want to do a flush if you buy the car.

I'm sure there's more but I gotta go. post back. Who's selling it and where?