My dad owns an 850; he got it with about 100K and put another 100K on it. He drives approximately 3-4 hours a day in it, much of it on the freeway (but much of the freeway being in potential bumper-to-bumper traffic).

He's interested in replacing the 850 with another Volvo; his original candidates were 940, 960, 850, or V70. Seems like the 960s had some fairly catastrophic reliability issues, so they're out of the picture. I'm not asking for opinions on the 940 here -- wrong forum -- but anyone have opinions regarding maintenance and reliability on the V70 v. the 850? These are really the only two issues he's concerned about -- He doesn't drive for sport, and doesn't really care about amenities. He also has been doing pretty much all maintenance repair on the 850 by himself.

I'd consider posting this in the BUYERS forum, except that A) it says 'new Volvos' and B) Nobody posts responses there.

-roy

Regardless of which model you decide on, I recommend a turbocharged model. You can get a light pressure turbo in 97-and-later GLT packages in the FWD models. All the choices (940, 960, 850, 870) have the same great seats, and many components are the same across all models.

My 1994 940 turbo wagon was the most reliable car I ever owned (as is my current second car, a 1992 normally aspirated 940). It was spacious, not overly complex, easy to maintain. Turbo models have beefier suspension and brakes.

Late-model 960's with the inline-6 (same engine as the S80!) aren't as mechanically problematic as the early ones with the Peugeot V6. They have the same upgraded appointments as the 850. One serious problem is adhesive failure on the door panels, which causes the material to pucker. Decent power, responsive, roomy.

The S/V/C 70 package is a freshened 850 (at Volvo they call this model the 870). Rounder styling, upgraded lighting (H7), smoother ride, repositioned switches, plus other cosmetic and engineering changes. Known trouble spots are ABS controller (particularly in 1998) and perhaps the evaporator (bigger problem in 850's). Excellent build quality, rugged construction, good safety scores.
--
David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

Now at 107k on my '98 V70, I've had pretty much the same array of problems reported for the 850. The "unique" electrical problems mostly surfaced during the first couple of years. The '98 is sort of a hybrid year, with the restyled body but the earlier drivetrain. The SV70 has a softer ride than the 850. With the '99-'00 models the timing belt change was increased to 105k, and the cars are "drive by wire".

If he was happy with an 850 at 100k, he should be happy with the SV70 at 100k. Just be sure that you get the service records, that the usual problems have been addressed (expensive ones include the AC evaporator and the ABS module)and that it passes a mechanical examination.

-bill d cat

If your dad does all his own maintenance and repairs on his 850, then he will probably be able to cope with a 70, he will also need a good scan tool and some troubleshooting help from his Volvo pals on the net.

That said, IMHO, FWD Volvos ARE NOT no amenities - low maintenance/repair autos.

How about a nice, spiffed-up 740 Turbo wagon with a set of front seats from a later FWD Volvo?
--
3 8s & 2 7s 725,000 miles total

I drive a 98 S70 and my wife has a 95 850. The reliability
is similar (although problem areas differ a bit). Maintenace
is a bit lower on 99 model year and up. The 70 series rides
smoother and might be a better choice for someone doing hours of
highway driving every day.

The 98 model year power train is basically the same as the 850s.
In 99 they started adding electronic throttles; variable valve timing;
5 speed automatic tranny, coil on each spark plug, etc. So, if he
is used to working on the car the 98 would be close to what he is
used to maintaining. But, 98 was the first year and had some
electrical issues and some other teething problems. A used 98 should have
the bugs worked out and I would check any records for re-occuring problems
if looking at a 98 (well, any year, I guess).