5 speed manual transmission. Car has 160,000 miles, has recently begun slipping at the lower ends of 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Seems ok in 4 and 5. I have been babying it and it seems to be okay in the top ends of the first 3 gears.
No place to check or add fluid to gearbox, that I can see.
Car runs great, but not much fun to drive right now.
I would really appreciate some insight on what to do, and how to do it and what kind of bill I will be looking at.
thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like a clutch issue with this mileage. May need to replace the slave cyclinder - if you would like a free estimate - call K-Motion Auto Service (Volvo factory trained technicians) 303-788-1758 www.kmotionauto.com

 

The problem you are experiencing sounds like a worn clutch. Here are the parts required. A company called Sachs (OEM Parts) that sells a clutch kit which contains a pressure plate, driven discs, throw out bearing with slave cylinder. This kit lists for about $700-$800. While performing a clutch/slave cylinder replacement, typically you will also replace the rear main seal. The reason an experienced Volvo technician would replace this is because they do leak over time, and the labor is similar to a clutch replacement - so you are basically just paying for the rear main seal and including the labor within the clutch job. The flywheel would also need to be milled.
Parts and labor you are looking at around $1,400-$1,500. Make sure the auto repair facility provides a parts and labor 12 month, 12,000 guarantee.