I might be buying a 96 Volvo 850 wagon, normally-aspirated inline 5/automatic, 175xxx miles, some deferred maintenance but looks decent. I would prefer a 740 wagon, but this thing is pretty cheap. Anybody have any first-hand experience with 850's?

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

I don't have experience with a 850 but I do with the B230 FT; what's a bullet proof engine. What I've read about the 850 is that they are less reliable and not as easy to work on as a B230.

Check out turbobricks.com or brickboard.com I'm sure they can help you better.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

It seems that the brick-lovers all prefer the RWD 240s, and 740s to the FWD 850s. I'll probably buy the stupid thing anyway, it's cheap enough that I won't get hurt too badly on it either way.

I did see a review of the 850 the other day that referred to it as an Audi 100 where everything actually worked. I found that vaguley amusing, given that my Audi has been a pretty good car.

Lots of similarities between the 850 and the 100...curb weight is very similar, about 3300 Lbs, inline 5 engine, size is about the same. The Volvo has more HP and torque, and it's FWD, not AWD.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

Is it a manual or a dogmatic?

"Yes, I "KNOW" my lights are on!"

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

It seems as though all the old school guys prefer the old rear wheel drive 240 / 740 / 940 Volvo's, but the 850 / S70 series cars are fantastically reliable.

My mechanic who works on my 2000 S70 on the side works at the Volvo dealer in Pasadena, and he tells me that these front wheel drive cars are really good cars that will last a long, long time.

Our 2000 S70 has 125,000 miles on it, and it has been the most trouble-free car I have ever owned.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

A 1986 Volvo 240D saved my wife and Sons life. The Volvo won the battle with a pickup truck.

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For the Saved, this world is the worst it will ever get.
For the unSaved, this world is the best it will ever get.

Clk's Ebay Stuff BUY SOMETHING NOW!!!

Friend of mine likes his. We took it to Mexico a couple of years ago. Ran flawlessly and it was very comfortable.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Known problems

A/C Evaporator made of aluminum/plastic and leaks like a sieve. Dash has to come out for replacement - 10 hours labor

Lots of Sensor issues and Front Drive Axle issues (Boots, Hubs, etc)

Go to the Brickboard and look for posts by Klaus, he is a long time 850 guy.
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/ then click the 850 tab at top of page

850's have been known to bend just behind the driver's seat in a frontal crash.

I know having been in one. I was also in 2 240 crashes (9xrollover and head on 100 moh combined speed crash) and walked away both times.

Realize this was volvo's FIRST FWD machine and they learned from it. The V70 or XC is a DIFFERENT beast and has a LOT more crumple zone stuff than the 850.

Sure its a good car but compared to a post 2000 Wagon it ain;t that great.

I've never owned a Volvo, but I don't think I would ever by another FWD car.

I had a 95 850 and a 98 V70 Cross county. X country was a night mare. Problems with mine: Ac evaporatur as mentioned. Sensor night mares. Most have ABS, traction lights on. Axles. If you buy it always carry extra fuel pump relays. They are known to go out and leave you stranded. Engine, transmission very sturdy and for a gas engine they will easily do 250K. Timing belt has to be changed every 75K or 10 years. Lots of good forums. Best I found was Matthews volvo forum. Try to avoid Turbo models. Although fast not worth the leaks and trouble.

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72 280SE His Majesty

The car's well within my budget...$300, of which the seller will take 1/2 cash, the other half barter...we're still discussing what we may barter.

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2002 Ford ZX2
2 x 2013 Honda Civics

It's my opinion that the 850 model is the last true Volvo despite it being FWD. I've heard they are fairly easy to maintain and in the past had considered one, preferably the wagon version. If you can, get the 850R.

I'm a big fan of the 240 and have a 245 myself. Speaking of which, I need to do the rear brakes on it. Suginami, think you can hook me up with your Volvo mechanic? Looking for someone to do the rear brakes (change rotors and pads) on my wagon. I got all the parts many months back with the intent of doing it myself, but I just don't have the confidence and proper tools (proper in the sense that would make the job easier) to tackle this job. I'm near Pasadena. Would be cool to meet a fellow brickster.

For a running car? $300? Why did you even need to post?

I second that motion

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