Volvos good or bad?

It’s near impossible to make a recommendation on an older car, no matter who makes it. One does not know how it was driven or maintained so it could be a peach or a heartbeat away from the car crusher.
Normal wear and tear items are in-line price wise with other cars and odd parts that are needed can often be found cheap on eBay.

They’re not all bad either.

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/releases/2006/irv-40-anniversary.shtml