Hi all,

I am the new owner of a 1996 850 R wagon with plenty (260k+) of kilometres and a fairly unloving previous owner. This is my first venture into the world of Volvo. I am naturally now trying to catch up on years of neglected maintenance items/issues and want input on how to best proceed. I've done a fair bit of forum searching already, if nothing else perhaps this post can help to aggregate a list of common items.

My current list of identified issues and proposed remedies:

Unknown timing history - Change all timing components - belt, tensioners, hydraulic tensioners, cam seals plus water pump. I am aware the hydraulic tensioner must be compressed very slowly.
Drivers side door won't open from inside - door had dropped the small metal link due to aged bushings. Have reseated link for now but need to order new bushings from GCP.
Wobbling harmonic balancer - the harmonic balancer appears to have a wobble to it at idle. Some online say this is due to worn belts etc., or a bushing behind the balancer and others say it's the balancer itself. Any advice for this one? I plan on replacing the serpentine belt as a start.
Broken odometer - I will replace the 12 and 15 tooth gears inside.
Map lights/overhead door light nonfunctional - the globes work and can be made to turn on when probing metal tracks inside of the pod itself, but not when opening doors or operating the switch. I think this may be a relay but unsure - advice appreciated.
Oil around valve cover gasket - Change PCV components. Aside from ordering a replacement kit, I have read about using 16mm heater hose instead of one of the Volvo factory sized hose - any opinions on this?
Faint coolant smell from heater - I believe this is a sign to change the heater core. I also see coolant weeping from the junction in the firewall on the engine bay side. Should I replace the o-rings in this junction (not cheap, about $60USD from FCP), or just bypass the junction completely and run new hose directly to the core?
A/C nonfunctional - blower motor works, A/C compressor does not kick on. Haven't done much diag. but will start by checking relays. Can this be a result of a system with no pressure?
Brake pedal low and spongy with too much free travel - pedal does basically nothing for almost 3/4 of the travel, but brakes do engage OK when pressed relatively hard at the bottom of travel. The pedal sits below the accelerator which also seems abnormal. I will try bleeding the brakes first, but I have read that there may be air in the ABS system causing this. Can I hold ABS valves open with VOL-FCR? I have also seen this issue attributed to a failing master cylinder.
ABS light - I heard this is often due to bad solder in the ABS module. Again I believe I can try clearing with VOL-FCR but having trouble tracking down a copy of the software, except for an old version someone wants $200AUD for online. Any help with this appreciated.
Hard shifting transmission - Shifts feel a little harsh. Will drain fluid and replace. AFAIK there's no point fiddling with the filter due to the disassembly required. Not greatly worried anyway because if I end up really loving the car I will rip it out and put an XR-5 turbo box in.
Old vacuum lines - The car thankfully runs and idles fine, but I still think I should replace all vacuum lines before they fail. Any other parts related to the vacuum system that should be replaced whilst I'm there?
Ride height - The front of the car is very low, lower than I'm used to anyway. I assume this is factory but possibly a little more extreme due to worn springs.
Faded outside trim - Was this originally black or dark grey? Best dye to use for getting it back to factory-look?
Locked radio - From what I understand if I leave the car with ignition on for 2+ hrs it will change from "OFF" to allowing code entry. Can I call the dealer for a code?

I am sure there are more problems to come, but these are what I have on the top of my head at the moment. Apologies for a long list and please let me know if there are any forum rules I am missing. I have tried to make this a somewhat comprehensive post to avoid clutter. Thanks in advance 🙂