Hey all-

I'm looking to buy a '94 850 sedan to use for the winter- I found the car as a private sale. It has 110k miles on it, is an automatic, and has had two owners. The asking price is $2400. I have had both '93 and '96 850s so I know all about their bugaboos, such as the AC evaporator and timing belt issues.

But I have just two questions: 1) Is the price right, and 2) Were there any major mechanical differences between the '93 and '94 850s?

Depending on condition the price seems OK. Typical used car warnings apply - check on carfax.com, ask for records, check tranny fluid for color & smell, have mechanic check over if possible....

Basically the 94 is considered a bit better then the 93 by most. Personally I have a 93 854 and a 94 855 and like the 93 better. But no real major changes. Some early 94s still had the 5 inch headlights and none of the comforts, like climate control, seat heaters, leather, etc.

The 4 inch headlight, 5-lug, 94 has the same engine (at least non-turbo version) and a wider timing belt. About the only difference in the engine compartment I can think of off hand is the AC low pressure connection is relocated in the 94.

For a winter car a bad AC not a big issue - defrost just takes longer, although many have good luck with simple re-charge. And Volvo winter handling beats most other vehicles.

Good luck!

On the '93 the TB change is every 50K mile unlike the '94 which is at 70K miles.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Yeah...more bugs worked out on the '94. You don't even get the 5 bolt tire pattern with a '93...you get a 4 bolt pattern with slim pickins for wheel upgrades. I personally don't like the Cetus wheel either that came with these. Other than this, also no turbo with '93 and they only made a Sedan in the basic 168 Horse power...no wagons that year too. I know the Control, or A-arms on the '93 are cheesy. They have aluminum fittings so the '94's and beyond have more stable suspension components too.

You can compare all the 850's here: http://forums.swedespeed.com/zerothread?id=14333
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.