Hi Brickboarders,

I am new to this site and a first time Volvo owner. I just bought a 1994 855 na with 100k miles, and I have a few questions.

1) The ATF looks like a nice clear red, with no burnt smell. Should I do a flush anyway and maybe run synthetic fluid?

2) The car had a slight vibration (mostly through the steering wheel) especially at slow speeds. The faster I drive, the smoother it gets! Also, it looks like the front tires are wearing unevenly (outer and inner edges), with the passenger side being the worst offender. Are these symptoms of a common problem on these cars?

3) How do I tell the date of manufacture for this car? I understand there was a mid year change on some components, ie. ball joints/controll arms etc.

4) I have a receipt showing the previous owner had the timing belt changed at 70k, but there is not a decal under the hood to indicate this work. Should there be? Is there another way I can be sure the work was done? I think the 100k service includes changing the cambelt(?). Is this another part, or another way of referring to the timing belt?

5) What prepentive service would you recommend, seeing that we don't know much about this car's history?

6) Anyone have experience with painless dent removal on minor dings? What is the approx. cost for a few light dings?

My wife and I love this car! Saftey + style + good deal = happy owners

Thanks in advance,
Rick

The other posting covered all your points quite well. All I want to comment on is the fluids and timing belt.

The first thing I do with my cars (all used Volvos) is to change everything that is done during the normal maintenances. I change all fluids, spark plugs, belts, filters, etc. That way, I KNOW when they should need changing and I don't have to guess when one of them will/might need replacing, or worse, when it will fail me.

A good shop should have put in a sticker for the belt change. If not, you have to decide if you can believe that they did it at 70K. Since you said you are over 100K already, it might be wise to be on the safe side and start planning to have it replaced before you reach the 140K level. Remember, when it goes, it could take a lot along with it. Local shop in Atlanta did mine for like $250.

Here's MHO

1. Good, watch it.

2. Vibrations usually start at the wheels, out of balance or bent. Once and a while a tire defect or even a lump of goo can cause a problem. If one edge is wearing, it points to alignment or some damage, if both edges are worn, low tire pressure is usually the culprit. Low tire pressure is VERY common. Did your spare have 20 psi like mine did?

3. The date should be on a label on the car, put there to verify emissions compliance.

4. Early models had a change cycle of 50,000 miles. If the belt was changed, it should be good for that distance. It is possible to check the belt. Considering the work they perform and their physical size, I'll never change a belt late. Keeping track of service out of sequence is a pain but can be done.

5. I like to change fluids. Check them for appearance and condition. Change brake fluid if you cannot confirm it has been changed on schedule.

6. Minor dings on cars with good paint and thin sheet metal are usually quite expensive to repair, especially for what you get. If you really want to do something, consider fixing the dents and painting the entire car a snappy non-original color that you like. Its your car. At least all the paint will be the same. If you wait about a year, you'll amaze your friends and neighbors if they think that you bought a second new Volvo in such a short time!

Good luck
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2 8s & 2 7s 600,000 miles total