Looking at what appears to be a nice 850, 1997, 77K miles, drivers seat looks as if the previous owner was a very light little old lady, no wear at all, only thing, the seat back machanism does not work - rest of power seat AOK. Am taking it too my friendly neighborhood mechanic tomorrow morning for his opinion. Seems like it could be an ideal companion to my '94 940 Turbo wagon. What are the 850 experts opinion, what should I look for, is it a good buy, or should I avoid it like the plague?
I did drive it, just up the street, and back, and it was OK, however when I went back to look at again this afternoon, salesman said the check engine light had come on, and they had it back in the shop - then called to say it was caused by the pressure washing they had done!! Who knows.
Thanks in advance.

AC, Electrical, brakes esp. front, Look closely for oil leaks, check the flame trap issue, battery can die easily, get a great mech. for Volvos, read up on it, go for it, enjoy it. Car is very young, '97 supposed to be a good year. Be prepared to spend some extra on it. Have fun.

We gave the 89 240 to our daughter...best car we've ever owned. I'm now driving an 850 wagon (97). They say the 850's don't measure up to the 240's but I've been very happy with mine. Had it for 2 years and not one thing wrong yet.

I don't see how in the hell a pressure wash could make the check engine light
come on. I'd check into that.

kevin

A pressure wash, or any engine wash can set off the dreaded "Check Engine" light, misfire codes are common, as water gets down into the spark plug wells (Trust me on that one!) The water can make lots of the motor's electrical system set codes...
--
RussB in Ct. - '96 855T- '91 940T - '93 850GLT (R.I.P. 6-16-02)

You can never have too many bong hits.

:)

kevin

In addition to what Phil said, I would check the brakes for wear.
A set of pads lasts about 35K miles and the rotors are good for
two sets. So, it may be due for new rotors and pads. The good
news is brakes are easy to work on and instructions are also
at bay 13 http://volvospeed.com/bay13.htm. New front pads are
about $45 a pair and rotors are about $60 each (at volvoparts.com).

I'm not saying this is a problem area. But, right around this milage
there is some service to be done and if it was put off then you would
face it. The 60K service is pretty complete and if that was done by
the book then you should be OK. In addition to the brakes, the
timing belt should have been replaced at 70K and there should be a
sticker under the hood indicating when it was replaced.

Sometimes it might as well be a bunch of puzzled scientists in Roswell, New Mexico taking a flying saucer apart. I've used 3 indy Volvo shops and 1 Volvo dealer and no one, but NO ONE is batting 1000 with the car.

Second, the seat sounds like the seat back cable. Repair procedure at http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/seatcable1.htm Maybe not an easy fix, but the parts are inexpensive enough. Beware of the side airbags.

Third, "trouble spots" include the AC, especially the evaporator, and the AT. Service records would be nice, ask for a printout if it's a Volvo dealer. Make sure the timing belt was changed at 70k, it's an interference motor. Also check out Kino's website for problem areas. http://kinovolvo.velez.ws/ Click on the "survey" links at the lower right hand part of the page.

Make sure all the power gizmos, like the windows and locks work.

Yes, I'd buy nother one. Cautiously.

-Punxsutawney Phil

'98 V70T5m, 99.8k mi.

Take it for an extended drive and make sure the TRACS / ABS-off lights are not on, or do not go on and off throughout the trip