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850/V70s with a manual do exist, but very hard to find. The 1997 and 1998 have the best automatics, but the 5 speed manual is still better.
Maintenance is not that much harder, there is less engine bay space compared to the red block engines, and the timing belt is easy to change if you don't mind being under the car half of the time.
Most of the faults relate to the electronics or the AC, both of which can be a pain. Try to find one that has had the evaporator replaced (10 hours of labor). The timing belts must be replaced at or before 70K mile intervals, unless it is a late production 1998 (those are 105K).
There are 2 different turbo models, high pressure and low pressure. Obviously, the HP is fast, the LPT I have only seen with automatic. The NA models with a 5 speed are no slouches either! They can be driven in the correct power band and drive circles around any 245.
I would look high and low for cloth seating, they do not wear out and are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The drivetrain is very reliable, the electronics are otherwise.
Make sure it has service records!!!!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise, if it has been serviced at a local dealership, they will tell you what the records covered.
Klaus
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Please answer your responses. We need to know if the advice is good or bad. The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are 2 turbos :)
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