You will need snow tires. those 17" tires are great in the rain, but forget it in the snow. I've had my 850R wagon since summer, so I am starting to look for snows as well. So far the best deal I've found here (Vancouver, Canada) is from the dealer. They are selling 15" Gislaved Nord Frost II snow tires by Volvo on 'Volvo' steel wheels for $199.95CDN each, installed. I usually find the Tire Rack to have very good prices, but they couldn't beat this deal. Check your local Volvo dealer to see what they have. As far as the car itself, there is no question - buy it! With low miles and a warranty you've got nothing to worry about.

The snow tires bit is already covered by the other posters, anyways i dunno nuthing bout driving in snow, its sun (and rain) all year round here in the tropics!

what to look out for - typically if the car already has a full service history, I'd test drive it and pay particular attention to 2 things:

1) brake judder on hard stops. owners have had to replace the entire pad and rotor set cos of judder problems

2) the ride is rather hard, not what one would quite expect of a car in this class/category.

rgds

jeff

95 850T5 wagon auto, SAM chip, full Supersprint exos (no cat), IPD swaybars

(Bilstein shox still on the way!)

Buy that car!!!

You will definitely need a seperate set of snows. I have a set of 15" steel wheels and snows. The combination works great.

One thing to look out for with the R is damaging the wheels/tires if you live in an area with poor roads. The rims are soft and the earlier Pirellis would bubble easily. I had my 850R wagon 10 days when I found this out the hard way.

I really enjoy my 850, I say go for it. You might be able to even nogiate a good deal for set of snows in with the deal.

Brian,

Check the Discount Tire web site. I got a set up for my '97 GLT that goes between Denver and ski country 2 or three times a week. I got a set of 15" steel wheels with Michelen Artic Alpins. THis will be the third season, I am pleased with the snow traction and the dry pavement wear/noise. I got a price from the web site and then got the same price from the local Discount Tire shop. Good luck!! P.S. the 2K XC gets some winter skins soon.

The 850R is a great everyday car to have but if you intend to use it during the winter season (with snow forecast in particular), your biggest headache is trying to find decent or average snow tires that will suit the car. Your choice is none and none with the 17" wheels that the car is equipped with.

I am from the midwest(Chicago), driving a '97 850R and my options are limited to 2 selections; 1) don't drive the car when there is a snow forecast of 1" or more, 2) purchase 16" wheels with performance all-season tires.

Hope this will help you out a bit and good luck on your purchase.