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Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

I'm considering a 1997 850 with about 70K miles for my wife. Haven't seen it yet; will be looking at it next week. Any suggestions re what questions I should be asking, what paperwork I should look at (it is said to be just off-lease), and what I should crawl under and look at will be much appreciated. She is also going to be looking at a '91 240 with about 100k miles for less than half the price of the 850, and a 91 740 wagon with about 100k miles for about half the price of the 850. any suggestions re those, and relative comparisons will be noted. We tend to keep cars forever, so durability and long-term satisfaction is much more important that model year. Thanks








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    Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997



    If you are looking for durability get the 240 or 740. I have an '87 245 and '95 and '97 850s. I've spent more on maintenance on the 97 850 in 3 years than I have on the 245 since new (1986), and it's only been out of warranty for 20,000 miles.

    I'm not knocking the 850s, I like them all. Cars have gotten much more complex, for example the finicky and expensive emissions stuff or all the luxury do-dads. The 240 is a simple car, nothing breaks because there's not much there. 740s and 940s have more "stuff" to break than 240s, maybe less than 850s.

    But they're really not the same thing. Depends on what y'all like.









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    Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

    Bruce:

    I, too, have thought a great deal about buying an 850, but I've had concerns based upon what I've read about the cars. While great performers, they seem to require considerably more maintenance and repair than the rear-drive Volvos, and many of the procedures are more difficult than a backyard mechanic might want to tackle. Just my opinion.

    My wife and I own an '86 740 and an '88 240. Both cars have about 190,000 miles, and I've found them to be extremely durbale and reliable. The maintenance and repairs needed have largely been jobs I've completed at home, and the cars are very forgiving (i.e. non-interference engines, so if a timing belt breaks, the only part you'll need is the belt).

    Since you mention that durability and reliability are very important to you, I would probably go with a rear-drive Volvo. Both the 240 and 740 share many engine and drivetrain components, but the 740 is a much more comfortable ride.

    It pains me to say this, because I love the look and performance of the 850, but I'll probably shy away from actual ownership of one. I'd like to find a deal on a 940 or 940 Turbo at some point. Good performance from the same old basic rear-drive 8-valve layout. And much cheaper to buy and maintain, too.

    The 850 would certainly give some great performance in return for the extra maintenance, though. And if you go in with your eyes open, you'll know what to expect and the money spent won't be such a rude awakening.

    Good luck in your search.

    G









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    Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

    Check the maintenance book and if not done, be sure to get the timing belt replaced at 70K miles. If it's been done, the book should be stamped (usually only dealers do this) and there should be a T-belt sticker under the hood. The 60K service should have also been done (by someone).

    Make sure the AC works and look for an AC dye sticker under the hood. If so, it's been low on freon, re-charged and the dye was added to find the leak once low again.

    Anytime I'm asked, I always tell people to take the used car for a 'safety inspection' at any place other than where you're buying it from (if the seller allows it?) as that way you'll get an un-biased viewpoint on what they see is wrong with the car (if anything). Most dealers will charge you 1 hours labor for that but if it saves you from buying a car with many discovered problems, it's money well spent plus it'll give you more peace of mind than just guessing otherwise.








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    Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

    I have a '98 V70 (pretty much the same car) and we tend to keep cars "forever", too. Consumer Reports recommended all our cars when they were new, including my V70.

    Consumer Reports currently recommends the '96-'97 850s, as well as the '92 240 and '94 940 as used cars.

    Scanning the CR "Frequency of Repair" charts, the 850 actually looks better than the 240 or 940.

    I have had all the annoying minor problems that everyone else with a SV70 has. The only problem that left the car stranded was a dead battery. I was concerned enough buy all the minor problems that I purchased the extended VIP warranty. I suspect that Volvo changed vendors for a lot of parts between the 850 and 70. In fact, I had more early problems with my car than I've ever had with any car.

    The ONLY problem I have had in the last 20,000 miles is the throttle position sensor. This suggests that probably most of the defective parts have been replaced at this point.

    Would I buy an 850 for my wife or daughter? With eyes open, and knowing what I'm getting into.....well, yes, probably, and one of the major reasons is safety. I've had two Volvo accidents, neither my "fault". By '97 the 850s had 4 airbags, and I look at the idiots driving SUVs while chatting on their cell phones.....and there really isn't much question as to what I would buy.

    I'd certainly make sure that all the major services were performed and I'd certainly have the car checked out by a good Volvo mechanic. Check out Kino Velez's website for an idea of some things that tend to fail. Some areas to pay attention to are the AC evaporator and the automatic transmission (frequent fluid changes are important, although they are not specifically required under the service schedule!) Make sure all the dash lights work, too! (They are a b**** to replace.)

    Good Luck!

    -Uncle Olaf








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    Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

    First and foremost, ask them to provide documentation proving that all major service intervals have been satisfied. This is crucial with any car, and especially the 850 since it has a very costly and important service interval at 60,000 miles (timing belt!).

    Now, you may have already made your decision, but let me give you my recommendations. I have a '97 850 with 76,000 miles. I would only rate it as a lower than average performer in the reliability department. I have performed the specified maintenance on the vehicle, but have experienced anoying failures. Dash board lights have continued to burn out, the heated seats failed just after the waranty expired, the keyless entry has never worked properly (locks but does not unlock!), constant problems with the check engine light (emisions related repairs not covered by waranty!)and the sunroof stops needed reseting. In a recent conversation with the Volvo service manager (I am doing some thinking as to if I want to unload this thing), he indicated that I need to watch the transmission as he has seen them need this type of service at the mileage mine is at - now I am paranoid about how it feels switching gears!

    You said that you keep your cars a long time and that reliability was important. Therefore, my recommendation to you would be look at another brand of used car. I have had (and know others, too) that have had wonderful experiences with the Ford/Mercury Taurus/Sable. We had a Sable LS that lasted 117,000 miles - truth is we got rid of it and it probably had a lot of life left in it. That car only required oil changes, brakes, bateries, and tires in the years we owned it. Unlike the Volvo, service costs were very reasonable. As well, I can recommend the Toyota Camry (a Consumer Reports favorite).

    I hope this has helped.








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      Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

      I would have to disagree with Steve on the reliability and maintenance issues for the 850. My 93 has been terrific with no problems outside of regular maintenance issues such as brakes etc. And all of the costs associated with the repairs have been below what I thought they would be. The prices have been very fair I just had the front rotors replaced, went with oem (zimmerman) and were $100 cdn a piece. That is more than a camry's cost for rotors, but these ones will go for 150,000 miles, while the toyotas or hondas will go every 80 or 100k miles. Long term cost effectivity is greater with Volvos definitely.








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        Re: Possible purchase--what to look out for? 850 1997

        Mind is a wagon ('97 Canadian). As someone mention, I watch out for the transmission failure, but again some owner has the oem trans. for over 120k km.

        For myself, alternator and battery replaced, oxygen sensors replaced at 27k km. Dash board light bulb (ligth behind climate contro, paid $80.

        Aliment 3 times ($100 @), as excessive wear on outside edge of oem tires (I have winter tires which are better and no excessive wear). Booster at centre rear seat repaired borken cable. Most of all, They have a recall on the throttle body housing, but when my gas pedal stuck (no kidding, it won't go down form the top most position, you have to step on it), thsy force me to pay for the service/lub.

        Front brake pads 3 times, one set of front rotor. Rear brake 1 time, put into account I just have 60k km on my car.

        A whole lot of minor problems. I'm looking for some other brand rigth now,

        But if your good friend is a mechanic close to your work or house, and give out free loaner. I will say go for '97 850, as this is the last model year, you get more 'options' than the others.

        Peter







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