Used Cars: Purchasing 2000 Volvo S40, 2000 volvo s40, mechanic shop

Question
Hello,
I am considering purchasing a 2000 Volvo S40 Sedan 4D with 46500 miles on it. The quoted price is approximately the average of KBB's excellent and good values. It has the additional sunroof trim.

Considering that I am slightly new to driving, how would you recommend this purchase? What should I look out for when purchasing this particular used vehicle? The previous owner was the second owner (purchased used from CarMax four years ago).

Please feel free to give all the general and specific advice you think of. Thanks a ton!

Answer
I believe the car you are looking at is turbocharged, or maybe not, some of them aren't.  anyhow to make a long story short carmax typically reconditions their vehicles to a high quality level, the miles on this car are incredibly low, which is why the seller is asking a premium for it, and they should.  Take the car to your local mechanic shop and have it checked for any potential problems, they usually have a set rate for a used car check out and it shouldn't exceed $100, but ask what they charge before hand, if the car doesn't need anything or just needs minimal maintenance I would by it, and you can always negotiate on that asking price, good luck.
I would by this car, it sounds nice.

zd