A P80 platform car can be a pretty good thing, even today, but it really depends on your usage type.
There's definitely 'better' Volvo models out there that you can more easily live with - I'd say that the P1 C30/S40/V50 probably fits the bill here. They're easier to work on, can be quick and well-handling, too.
Of the P80 platform cars, the pre '99 P80 850/x70 is the better option. 4spd auto box is better and lasts longer than the 5spd auto box and cable throttle is better than suffering through the known/looming failure of the ETM on non-cable throttle cars.
It being 'worse' than the P1 cars is part of the appeal - turbo lag, no variable cam timing and an amazing engine note are part of the experience.
As @Ex850R mentions, there's a couple of things to be aware of - there's a few random parts you'll find are NLA or brand options are thinning out. These aren't a huge deal but may catch you out at some point (even if it just means sourcing parts takes a bit longer than you might expect).
Interior plastics are not agining well - they dont like UV, some of the hard plastics are crumbling and getting really hard to find. You'll get used to hunting for cars in self-serve wrecking yards.
eg. Our conversion from a beige interior car to a full charcoal interior meant we sourced parts to do this from at least 5 different cars. Not a single car had everything we needed in the one car in good shape.
They're notoriously hard on front end suspension components. All the front end stuff wears out all at once. Unless it has been done recently, factor it in.
Parts pricing for most things isnt too bad. We can help with a lot of it (as well as others) - www.dvs.net.au
