Volvo: 1997 VOLVO 850, wheel drive cars, front wheel drive cars

Question
I'm the recent owner(about a month now), and already had a problem with the car going dead (without warning) when I pulled up at a stop light.  It got towed to the mechanic who said the battery cable was corroded!  He apparently cleaned it and sent me on my way, but not before asking for $200!  In your opinion, and based on your expertise, should I anticipate certain problem(s)for sure with this model. Should I consider getting rid of it ASAP?  What year and model would you recommend?  Right now the headlight on the driver's side does not work.  I changed the bulb and fuse and nothing's changed.  I have some mechanical knowledge of cars since I had a 85 Audi 5000 which I spent time researching when it had to be repaired.  However, I would hate to be taken by the wallet for repairs because I'm a woman, so any heads-up would be appreciated.

Your opinion please!

Yvonne

Answer
Yvonne,
Your car type has had some troubles but all cars do. Before you make up your mind to sell it, take it to a shop that works on Volvos and have them inspect the car and provide you a list of things they see. That would be how good the brakes are the general condition of the front and rear axle, etc. Test for fault codes and see what that inspection shows. Headlight you will have trace the power and see where it gets lost. Most times bulbs, grounds broken wires.
Keep in mind that front wheel drive cars do inherently cost more to work on.