I am looking at purchasing an 850. I have owned 3 240s since 1979. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I would appreciate your insights as to the weaknesses of the 850, any particular models/years/configurations to avoid and gotchas.

Owned several 240s, my current 96 850 and a 99v70. With out a doubt the 850 is the best car I have owned in the last forty years. The 99 V70 the worst. The 240s are legendary and mine were also. 850 has had an evaporator replaced but no other mechanical problems. That cost about $1400 five to eight years ago, most of that is labor for dash removal and replacement. Have done all my own maintenance(brake flushes, coolant flushes, transmission flushes, sun roof sticking problem) that was easy and obivous. T belt I get done by my Indy. Really nice ride and 25mpg in town, about 30 on the highway if I stay below an average of 70. I have towed trailers with it per the owner manual instructions concerning the use of the transmission and it did nicely. Boat trailer weighs less than a thousand pounds and the enclosed 6x10 with load weighed about the same. Mileage drops to about 20 with the boat and about to 15 with the enclosed due to the frontal surface area drag.
Having said all that, I am suprised at the number of problems I see on this board that I have not experienced, either due to luck or regular maintenance. I would reccomend the 850 if you get the maintenance records and have it checked out by a knowledgeable Volvo mechanic.

Hi, I have a '95 850 glt. I bought it with 160,000 miles from an authorized Volvo dealer. 50,000 miles later, here is what I had to have done during that time,(the guy who owned it before me did not take care of it), it is pretty extensive. Shortly after I got it the check engine light came on and it left me stranded in another state, so I got it checked out at a Volvo dealer in this other state. The piston was misfiring, and the distributor was shot, basicly it needed a tune up. $400 later it ran great, drove it for about 5000 mile then the steering started to click when I turned. Took it back, needed new ball joints, and new front suspension, new brakes rotors, $1800. Now 2000 miles later the check engine light on agian, (We drive alot, road trips etc,) but i'm afraid to bring it in to get checked, think its maybe a malfunction. Anyway, my advice is make sure the 850 you get was serviced, and taken care of by the previous owner, mine wasnt, so I paid for it. But any way when it runs right I think its great, the paint finish still shines, people compliment me on it still, if only the check engine light would take a break.

I purchased at 1995 850 tubro new off the lot in 1995
problems:
1) ac failed twice
2) timing belt has to be replaced every 70,000 miles - check
3) check shocks and struts
4) check for oil leaks at rear main seal.
5) if a turbo - check for oil leaks at turbo
I love my volvo - but things wear out over time.

I purchased at 1995 850 tubro new off the lot in 1995
problems:
1) ac failed twice
2) timing belt has to be replaced every 70,000 miles - check
3) check shocks and struts
4) check for oil leaks at rear main seal.
5) if a turbo - check for oil leaks at turbo
I love my volvo - but things wear out over time.

I purchased at 1995 850 tubro new off the lot in 1985
problems:
1) ac failed twice
2) timing belt has to be replaced every 70,000 miles - check
3) check shocks and struts
4) check for oil leaks at rear main seal.
5) if a turbo - check for oil leaks at turbo
I love my volvo - but things wear out over time.

I had a 240 that went to 320K before I sold it. I now have a 945T with 200K and a 96 850R with 132K. The FWD's are smoother, tighter, mine is faster. Having said that, I will keep the 940 till the end! I watch the T belt service on my 850 very closely. I've had to repair the drivers door hinge where the welds broke and the ABS module. Other than that its been a very reliable car.

Ed

I have an 850glt 95 130k
it was my parents-
They had major ac problems- remove the dash,etc
odometer quit working
motor in seat for backrest broke
motor for gas tank door broke
ride is a little stiff
better suspension though for cornering
has side airbags-ahead of its time
ignition switch went bad-caused strange electrical problems
thats about it
hope this helps

I would not buy a car that did not have maintenance records. Especially regular transmission fluid changes. (assuming you are buying an automatic).

They are pretty good cars when looked after. But no car can go forever without repairs. If spend $4,000 you get a $4,000 car...