This has probably been asked a million times and I'm digging through the archives, but I found a 1994 850 Wagon (non turbo) with 91k miles that I'd like to consider purchasing.

It's going to replace my 92 960 wagon that has body damage and hopefully become the daily driver.

When I'm at the dealership, what things should I look at as immediate signs of steering clear of buying the car?

The carfax came up clean on it, having only two previous owners and no negative marks.

I just want to get a list of down and dirty things I should look at and/or notice while I'm test driving it to see if it seems to be a good vehicle. The general things I am familar with, like looking for leaks, oil mixxing with coolant, etc...

This is going to be the first front wheel drive Volvo I'll have owned, so I'm totally unfamiliar with them.

Thanks for any quick tips.

-Luke

Hi Luke,
having two of these 850 -94s since 97, I would say look after AC, the early builds have gascets not holding out the new cooling fluid. The other 850 had once ABS problems -both taken care of Volvo GmbH in Germany. Since only regular good maintenance and once replacement of air intake manifold gascet and lots of fun. The other has 240k km and the other 200k km behind.
br Tapsa

well pointed out by MIJ.

TBelt, Tranny and AC would be on my priority list as far as 94 850 is concerned.

that's for sure.

94 850 wagon n/a 208,000 miles...can't wait to hit 300k

1. Timing belt and Serp belt replacement at 70K miles is a must. If not done, they should do this before a purchase.

2. A/C's...especially evaporators go bad on these. Check to make sure it really does blow cold. Ask if the evap has been replaced. If it is bad, the replacement involves an entire dash tear-down ($1200+ for this).

3. Gas tank/headlights/ignition key tumbler recalls on this car (I believe). Make sure all recalls have been done.

4. Has the PCV system been maitained? If not you develope engine seal leaks.

5. Engine and transmission in good shape? Has the tranny been flushed? Volvo says it's to never be done...they are wrong, but good to ask if it's been done anyway- and if you buy it, do it as one of your first maitenance items.

6. Any trouble codes or a check engine light? Make sure this all checks out.

7. Suspension issue? By this mileage the endlinks are shot as possibly the struts and shocks. Check to see if this work has been done. If the suspension is bad...crashing over bumps, then either negotiate the price down or get them to renew these components before you buy.

Other little things go wrong on this car but nothing you can't deal with for little money.

If you buy this car, find a good independent mechanic to service it unless you plan to do it yourself. The dealer will keep you in the poor house. Also, get a qualified Volvo mechanic to check it out thoroughly before you buy. Carfax is good but it doesn't deal at all with the wear and tear and failed components on a car. Unfortunately the car is to old for the dealer to make it a "certified" used car so you'll be on your own once you pay and drive it off of the lot.
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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.