I am a 240 and 740 owner.
I'm looking at a '94 850 wagon that the owner claims he can feel the transmission slipping.
He says he will supply another transmission.

What is the problem with these transmissions? Can I fix it myself? Can it be fixed without replacing the tranny?

Can I replace the trans myself?

I would walk away...why start out with a head ache?
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks. As I was writing the post, it seemed like a bad idea.

Do all 850's have transmission issues?

The earlier 850s (1) have no internal filter and (2) Volvo didn't recommend fluid changes so many are running around with the origional fluid still in them. If they're maintained, they're reliable.

NONE of them have internal filters (new ones don't either) and Volvo still recommends not to flush the fluid (that it's a "closed system")...go figure :(
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Probably bad idea but a mechanic said he felt my tranny slipping and it went another 125k miles. And even then I blame the tranny hose failing and spilling fluid more then the tranny itself.

And thats on a '93 - rumor has it the worst year for them.

The 1997 has the best tranny of the 850s. If it isn't flushed regularly, it will fail. Also, if you are not completely stopped when shifting from R to D, broken...
Be glad you didn't buy it.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)