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I've been driving Volvos since 1978. Have owned several of each rwd series except the six cylinders, one of each (loved the B30, hated the PRV).
Anyway, my latest 240 was rear-ended recently and I need another work car.
I'm retiring in two and a half years, so I need about 50,000 miles.
I would be very comfortable buying a 240 with 250,000, but competition is getting pretty fierce for decent ones.
Could I reasonably expect the same from an 850 with, say 175,000 on the clock?
What should I look for and avoid.
Thanks.
P.S. I'll be posting the same on the S70 board, so let me know your preference between the two.
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A 1998 S/V70 non turbo with a 5 speed! Dark cloth interior or dark leather (less cracking), along with records - avoid the cars bought off auction blocks unless you want to some serious work.
The Northwest is terrible for finding cheap cars! Shop outside of the area, some place that is serviced by Southwest Airlines (one way tickets are cheap) and where A/C is required. You don't want one that has a leaky evaporator, think 240 heater core!
Of course, if you don't mind window controls in the center console and under the flimsy cup holders, then the 850 will do nicely. Common cheap complaints: door stay strap springs break and the window rail on the driver's side falls off, both easy to repair.
The BHP increase over the 240 is tremendous, and the comfortable seats are still very comfortable.
If you find one online, send me a note. I am currently fixing up a very neglected 1996 854 with 5 speed. It needs a new interior and the AC probably doesn't work...
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Cup Holders?? What a concept!
We are still talking Swedish cars, right?
Seriously, thanks for the tips.
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posted by
someone claiming to be Juan P.
on
Sat Apr 27 17:40 CST 2013 [ RELATED]
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Hey RFT,
If you would like to stay within the RWD series, how about a 960? Consider the last few years they were made (1996 thru 1998). They were not bad cars, and you get the decent 2.9-liter dual-cam six.
Late 1997 and all 1998 cars have the S90/V90 designation.
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Yeah, hadn't thought about them. I'll add them to the list.
Thanks.
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Read your other post. An S70 is just an updated 850 sedan. The 1998-2000 V70's are an updated 850 wagon. More safety features etc. The 1998 S70/V70's are basically 850's. They do become more complicated in the model years 1999 and 2000. The 1999-2000 models have ETM (electronic throttle module), coilovers and I think VVT (variable valve timing?). The base 2000 models also have a newer 5 speed automatic tranny that you'd be wise to avoid. That tranny in the 2000-2002 models has been troublesome for some owners. If you buy a 2000 model only buy a turbo with the 4 speed automatic or buy a 5 speed manual NA.
On the 850's. Probably best to avoid the 1993-94 models. The 1993 and some 94's can have tranny problems. Some are good, however. Later 1994 models through 1997 models are great! I had a 93 and the tranny went at 108k. My 1995 wagon (so far..:), has been a great car. Maybe the best I've ever owned in terms of reliabilty. Bulletproof, always starts and runs great at 222K. Also more trouble-free than my 90 240. Another advantage of the 95-97's is that they have side air bags and the early cars don't. The turbos require a little more maintenance than the NA but they are pretty good too. If you are looking for simplicity/reliability then your best bet is probably an 850/S70/V70 with a 5 speed manual. Another plus of the manual tranny cars is their good gas mileage. They can do 30+ mpg on the highway. My automatic 95 wagon usually does low 20's in town and up to 30 on the highway. Buy a turbo if you want performance.
One final point. If you buy one, I suggest spending a little more and getting a well maintained, low mileage example. These are great cars, and last a long time, but they don't handle neglect as well as the 240 and some of the RWD cars. Consider having it checked out by a Volvo specialist.
Happy hunting!
--
95 855 GLT Sportwagon 222k, 90 244 DL 300k+ - after 11 years has a new home
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When shopping for my present 855, I traveled a few times to an independant used Volvo dealer here in Mass. He sells other car models, but he specializes in used Volvo's. Has been selling them for more than 2 decades. Drove a few cars, almost bought one from him. Nice guy and I thought he was very honest. He told me that he thought the best cars Volvo has ever built were the 1995-98 850's, S70's and V70's. Based on my experience I have to agree with him. The 94's, 99's and 2000's are still pretty good cars too. If you find the right one in those model years don't automatically rule it out. FWIW - My next Volvo will probably be a 98 or a 2000 with a 5 speed, although I'd consider a turbo.
Oh yeah, one more thing, the early AWD models can be expensive to maintain....:)
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95 855 GLT Sportwagon 222k, 90 244 DL 300k+ - after 11 years has a new home
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850s are great! Wanna buy mine? it's got 214k and is going strong -you'd love it. I've written the list of watch fors so many times, it should be easy to search
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's
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Thanks, I'll search your posts.
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