Volvo Repair: Wiring harness, distributer cap, epa regs

Question
I have a 89 Volvo 240 and was just told by my mechanic that I might need to get rid of this car with 150,000 miles because a service tech service he calls said this is a major problem with these cars and very expensive.  I was there to get the A/C fixed.  It is not that low on freon but no cooling coming out the vents. He said $255 to convert and replace expansion valve, receiver, oil, freon plus labor.  He thinks compressor may last a while. $523 to fix that plus new compressor.  I am afraid to fix this if other problems such as the wiring is coming up soon. The wiring harness is a concern since on very rainy days the car is hard to start.  Not sure if it is time to dump and spend no more money.  Thanks,

Answer
Hello Bobby,  It may well be time to trade up.The harnesses were a problem,and the fuel computers,also with newer EPA regs., '95 and newer will be the way to go.Before you spend any more money,you need to ask 'How much do I love this car?'.The harneses can be repaired but its time effort,new is faster but $costly.The a/c work sounds reasonable at the price.However,once these repairs are made the overall life in extended greatly.Faced with the choice I would do elec. first then a/c.Note;most of the damage is at the 8 wire conector at firewall,the second spot is under the crankshaft,to the alternator and oil lite.Repairs there will buy time.Any good electrical ,gen./alt. repair shop has the skill.And don't overlook the distributer cap,cracks can cause hard starts on wet days.Take some spray window cleaner and spray the spark wires,it will show bad wires.It makes the spark 'leak' out.Thank You and good hunting!  PKD