I would stay away from 128 Volvo, you are right on the money with your impression of them. I bought a new 740T wagon from them in 1989 and that was how I learned about them. After the car was out of warranty they never saw it again. Check out Boston Volvo, much nicer cars IMHO and lots more of them than 128. I would opt for the turbo over the NA if you have the choice. Make sure you have an independent mech. go through the car. Not sure where you are from exactly but Top Wrench Auto in N Reading has been very good for me for the last 11 years. Good luck.

Unlike the 70s-80s GM turbos, Volvos water cooled turbos rarely ever fail UNLESS the owner fails to maintain the car (like rarely changes the oil).

I work on Volvos for a living and have yet to replace ONE FWD Volvos turbocharger due to it being siezed. I have replaced a couple several years ago on new early 850s (when they first came out in '94) because the dealers sales manager thought they were "too noisy" and didn't want to sell a new car sounding that loud. Although the replacement new turbo was then quieter, there really wasn't anything wrong with the original turbo.

As for the old 700 with the inop (probably siezed) turbo, I too highly advise getting that replaced ASAP because those cars barely move w/o a turbo due to its lower engine compression. If you are carefull, a good used turbo could probably be found if the car's not worth the cost of buying a reman unit (not cheap).

Turbos can be very reliable IF you are good about routine maintenance. I mean very good, religously good - don't ignore any noises, smells, drips - there is no set mileage to replace a turbo - I've seen the RWD's go 250,000+ miles on the same turbo with synthetic oil and staying on top of everything.

I've seen turbos toast in 30,000 miles with crappy oil, ignored change intervals, no cool down, flooring the car from cold, etc...just stupid stuff.

My 850 is pretty darn reliable and amazing stable - boohoo to the RWD guys (OK I like RWD too).

Find out about the "lawn mower syndrome"...basically cold starting the car and driving it 10 feet and powering down....floods, causes nasty carbon build up, etc AND the car may not start until you clear the cause.

Low mileage is always good but find out about previous owner's driving patterns - you don't want boy racer's car NOR do you want grandma's car who lives in small town and drives to grocery store 1/4 mile away on city streets...

You are shopping for a used car at a dealer? Still get an independent mech to check it over.

PLEASE DO NOT BE OFFENDED BY THIS - I KNOW I SOUND LIKE AN ASSHOLE:

Last but not least - what the heck is wrong with you? - You love and are marrying a person that you care more deeply for than anyone in your life - and you allow this person to drive a car in a dangerous condition. Cars with turbochargers should not be driven with the turbo siezed (is it seized?). The car has a relatively lower compression ratio for boost reasons - I hate to tell you this but getting on freeway with no "juice" is very dangerous. Acceleration and avoidance are important safety features.

ALSO - I really wonder if a turbo is an appropriate car for you......

SORRY - Call me a butt head if you like - but I had to say this.

From my understanding about the turbos in the 850 is that they VERY RARELY fail. I've been visiting this board for about a year now and don't remember reading much about the turbos EVER being an issue with the 850. As with mine, I have a 97 850 with about 72k miles on it and not one prob. From what I've read about the 850 as well is that 1997 was the best year of manufacture. Just a thought. There are OTHER factors that 850's have issues with, such as AC condensor etc. but the turbo has never been one of them.

Good luck!!

The 850 is a GREAT car. You will love it. If you have the $$, go for an 850R. I regretted not getting one. In any case, the brickboard is here to answer any Q's you might have before buying. :)

Costas Kotinopoulos

the turbos aren't that bad, I once had one replaced on an old 240 for about $800 (for a rebuilt)

but the modern turbos are much better, and i doubt her car has a blown turbo unless it was very poorly maintained...

the modern ones might cost 1200 to replace, but rarely fail.

I gave my 760 with about 240K on the original engine and turbo to my mom. It used about 1/3 to 1/2 quart of regular dino oil in about 3K miles or so... ran peppeier than my dad's '93 940 turbo with about 120K on it

my 850 is on the origianl engine and turbo and only uses oil when I run fuel system cleaner in it and even then not much