i am looking into purchasing an 850 (poss. wagon) for my wife to drive with our 2year old son. i really like the sporty look of this model but, what's the real difference between the 850 vs. the v-series and 900-series?? i know that i'm in the 800-series section but, is one better than the other?? or is it just cosetics and preference??

when i do decide to buy, and it poss. turns out to be an 850 (or any other for that fact), it will be used so, what should i make sure to check/inspect.

thanks......

The 70-series is a mild restyle of the 850. The wagon part is identical, there are some differences in the dashboards. For example, in the 70, the power window switches were relocated from in the console right below the cupholders (Duh!) to the driver's door.

Visit Kino's website, also go to the library and read the April "New Car Issue" of Consumer Reports.

It's a design that has evolved over the years, eg. early ones don't have side airbags, the last years had side airbags that even protected the head to some extent. If you want a turbo with a manual transmission, your only choice is a T5 70-series.

I remain ticked off enough at Volvo that I'm not considering buying a new one at this point. On the other hand, the car is kind of a "default" choice for safety and utility. While I still think Volvo's engineers should have been drawn and quartered over some aspects of the design, I'm still considering a used 850 for my teenage daughter.

-Uncle Olaf

'98 V70T5M, 56k mi., IPD stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, V-1, Dunlop SP8000s

Before you buy checkout my website http://kinovolvo.cjb.net for things that may need repair prior to signing the dotted line.

Not much to add to the previous post. I own a '96 854, a '93 945T and a '85 245DL. The front-wheel drive 850 is a more sporty, responsive vehicle. Though it's normally aspirated, it's plenty quick and cruises at 65-70mph on the hiway at just under 3000 rpms. It's a fun car.

My heart, however, is with my 945T. This is a very comfortable luxury liner cruiser that is ideally suited to my family requirements. With the third seat in the back I can truck 7. The ride is more comfortable than the 850 and I like the driving position better. The 945T power plant, B230FT, will pretty much go forever, assuming you take good care of it. And, it is easier to work on yourself if you're so inclined. With more elecrical components, the 850 has more that can go wrong, and does -- though my brother has a '94 855 Turbo wagon w/now over 110K that has been problem free. Recommend you try out both the '900 and '800/V series cars to determine your preference.

As you probably know, the 850 and 70 series have front wheel drive and are fairly similar with the latter featuring a more compliant suspension and cosmetic updates to the front and rear clip and interior. The light turbo motor became available in 850's (GLT) in 1997 and continued with the 70 series GLT models. With the intro of the 70 series in 1997 for the 1998 model year, two all wheel drive wagons became available in the States.

The 900 series is really an updating of the 700 series which was introduced in the early 80's. It has rear wheel drive and features a very similar running gear to your 240.

The handling differences between FWD and RWD aside, the 850 is around 10 years newer from a technological standpoint. The 700/900 series are desirable because they are reportedly easier to work on and are not as complicated. The automatic transmissions are believed to be bullet-proof, not something that can be said about the 850. The 850/70 series are desirable because they are newer and some feel handle better.

It really comes down to personal preference and pocketbook. Good luck.