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Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

I am looking to replace my wife's '93 945 (went over 240K miles) after it was totaled in an accident. She really liked her 945. We are definitely looking for another wagon. RWD Volvos are not as easy to find these days, especially later MY's. I have found one that's about 2 hour's drive from me. It is a base '93 945 with cloth interior, no sunroof and surprisingly 128K miles. The story is that it was a second car to an older guy with a pick-up. I am really tempted to go look at it. But I also found a pretty nice sounding '97 855GLT (light pressure turbo) with 135K miles. I drive a '98 S70 and am okay with FWD Volvos. '97 850 and my '98 S70 are pretty much the same car mechanically, so I am comfortable with maintenance and user experience. Been enjoying my S70 since new in 1998. What is the opinion on this forum about these two choices? The prices on the two cars are almost the same, 855 being a few hundred more. I have not seen either car, just spoke with sellers. Turbo is not on my list of must-have features. Wife does not care about performance. However, 855GLT has nicer amenities such as leather interior, sun roof, climate control, etc. Also, the 5 cylinder engine is very nice. I have owned cars with both red block and the 5 cylinder and I love them both. Both are fairly bulletproof. The 940 we had owned from 160K to 240K with just normal wear and tear, no big surprises. My S70 had no big issues either.
--
Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

    Be careful with the 1997. They develop AC problems after 100k.
    --
    '96 850 Turbo Wagon, 260k (and formerly '97 850 RIP, 120k)








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? - UPDATE 850 1997

    Well, I ended up with the 1993 940 with 128K miles. It was more happenstance than real decision. The seller of the 850 was not forthcoming and accommodating with information. I asked for a VIN several times and he promised it to me, but never provided. Both cars were about two hours' drive from me, so I had to make a choice and I went to look at the 940 since the seller of that was much easier to communicate with. Anyway, the car is in pretty good condition and everything leads me to believe the mileage on the odometer (just under 128K). It needs lots of little things here and there, pain on the roof has peeling clear coat, but it is a two owner car (according to title search) and seems to have more time issues than wear issues. Lots of cracked hoses, etc. Runs pretty well and shifts smoothly. things like brakes and exhaust need to be done soon, but not urgently. I have done brake jobs on these and it's not a huge deal. Exhaust is a two-three year cycle here in New England. I paid $2,000 for the car and I think it's not bad. It needs a little TLC, but in general is very clean and quiet. I was hoping to find a nice 855 (turbo or not), but this is what ended up with. I am good with it as these RWD Volvos are becoming harder to come by and they are still great cars. Some say better than FWD. I've been driving an S70 since new in '98 and I like that car a lot, it's been very reliable and rock solid for us. I am not sure about '99 and newer cars, though. After reading about the ETM problems I decided to eliminate '99 and newer from my search. Just doesn't make sense to buy a car with a guaranteed $600 failure on top of all the usual expenses associated with that car. I think the introduction of ETM was a horrible step, but I guess now most cars have them. Can't say I like the idea of a $1,000 throttle cable replacement, but that's progress for you.

    So, wish me luck with the new (to me) 940 wagon. I hope it serves us well.
    --
    Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

    My wife and I had a '91 740 (no turbo) and I found it to be a major step up in handling and ride comfort from our 240's. I test drove a 940 and found it to be an improvement over a 740. All that being said, I now own a '97 850 (non-turbo) with 130k miles and I am extremely satisfied with the ride, handling and power. My wife, who owned 3 240s and the 740, still cannot believe the 850 is a Volvo when she rides in it. The '97s seem to be the most coveted out of the 850s - I've had mine for 8 months now and have only replaced struts and strut mounts. I think you will like the 855.








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

    The 850 is safer, handles better and has greater comfort & leg room for all size drivers drivers. Have owned both. But their good volvo's, so you can't go wrong.








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997


    I had a 1994 945: Good running car. But dangerously underpowered, with all the pollution controls hung on year after year (65 to 75 mph you felt a set of pedals would have helped).
    The 1995 850 wagon was a significantly better car in all respects.
    Art








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

    Tough choice.

    I've also owned only RWD Volvos and have enjoyed every one.
    Last year we picked up a 200K mi. '95 854T for my daughter.
    I like the 850, but parts prices are steep. Hopefully when all it's annoying problems (leaks mostly) are finally sorted out, it will be a 300K car.

    I have to admit, if I needed a car right now I'd probably consider a 850 over a RWD. Never thought I'd say that.








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    Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

    The 1993 was a first year car and many parts are unique. Buy the 1997.

    Klaus
    --
    There is no present time, just the past and future








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      Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

      No, 1993 was not the first year for 940. I think you may have meant 850. Anyway, '93 940 is a very good and super solid car. I owned one until a few weeks ago and it had 240K miles when it got rear-ended. Engine ran like new at that mileage and the rest of the car felt more solid on the road than my '98 S70 albeit much less powerful.
      --
      Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual








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        Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

        Sorry, I mis-read the post and assumed 1993 850. The 945 is a very nice car, but I would have preferred a 965T, just to be able to keep up with traffic. The 945 has more usable space in the back than the 855, but fewer safety features; seat air bags, traction control...

        The RWD cars have more ease of maintenance and cheaper parts. In the hill country, the 945 really needs LSD while the traction control for the 855 is standard.

        Klaus
        --
        There is no present time, just the past and future








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      Which should I buy: '97 855 GLT with 135K miles or '93 945 with 128K miles? 850 1997

      Careful Klaus - he said a '93 945 - RWD 940 wagon.

      This should actually be a pretty solid car. I think 93 was the first year of the newly-re-reinforced red block, and the rest of the car is very solid, though a bit unexciting (fine with me, BTW).

      --
      1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+







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