Volvo Repair: 1998 Volvo x-country, gas leaks, oil leaks

Question
We are debating whether or not to buy a 1998 X-Country (I know your profile said 1999 and up....  but...)They want $6000 for it and the transmission has just been replaced.  Would this be a good buy or not?  I've heard that there were a lot of problems with the 1998 version.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Actually the 98's were fairly reliable.  From 99 and up they changed the throttle control system and there have been recalls and extended warranties and service campaigns for years trying to work all the kinks out of those systems.  The 98's were VERY similiar the the 96-97 850s.  Just have the car checked out thoroughly for problems before purchasing, especially oil leaks.  That is almost always the number one concern.  There have been occasions of gas leaks too so make sure the tank is in one piece, sometimes they have cracked.  Look under the oil cap for oil quality too.  If its is dark orange or black/brown, the oil changes weren't done frequent enough and you may need an engine in the future.  Ask if the transmission was a new rebuilt from volvo or if the original transmission was removed and rebuilt at a transmission shop.  If it was replaced with a volvo replacement part it should never give you problems again (or at least another 100,000 miles).  If the original was rebuilt by a non-volvo shop walk away from the car because they never seem to get the rebuild right.  Its a good price that shouldn't depreciate much more.  The wagons hold their value better than the sedans, especially the turbo AWD models (which this is).  I hope it works out for you.  If I came across the right onw I would buy it and drive myself.

James