[Familyman 90]

That puts you well into 2010 on "200" territory, the most reliable of the bunch.

They don't suffer AWD transmission, injector and leaky core plug issues like the 163 can (although owned my 163 from new and suffered none of these).

They're less prone to swirl flap issues like the 185 (although my 185 has been owned from new and not suffered either).

They do have a DPF, but don't suffer problems on their own - if the DPF acts up its invariably a symptom of a fault somewhere else.

The 200 is the best equipped and has the benefit of having had most of the niggles designed out, and your budget gets you into range of a decent one. Its the best equipped, most refined, most economical model...although economy is relative.

Watch for evidence that someone has tried to run it on the cheap, stuff like budget tyres, cheapo garage servicing instead of dealer or a proper volvo or XC specialist - they are fearsomely complex machines and Fred in a Shed might be able to handle a Focus, but these ild buses are a different league altogether.

Most will be at the age/mileage that the timing belt will have been done. Its imperstive that only genuine Volvo belts have been used, so check the invoices. Pattern aux belts have a habit of failing, becoming entangled in the timing belt and causing a lot of damage.

Check the transmission is smooth and takes up forward and reverse drive without any undue knocks or jerks. Ideally you want evidence of a proper fluid change, but provided the box behaves itself you're good and you can get the fluid done ASAP after purchase.

Our 200, like our others was utterly trouble free, but then I never tried to cut corners or save money on maintenance. If it needed doing, it got done immediately and no messing. Great car, and we only traded in that one instead of my 185 because my 185 has Polestar and is punchier than the 200, and because the 185 is an R Design and I prefer the slightly sharper steering on the country lanes around these parts.

I'm sure the rest of the team will be along soon with sage and sensible advice, so I'll wish you au revoir and the best of luck. Hell, you might even end up with our old car...!