hey brickboard,

This site kicks ass and I just found it. Anyway I've got an '86 740 GLE wagon with 175k on it which needs a new alternator, spark plug wires and caps, a new muffler, a broken heater fan, lots of engine wire insulation rot but runs well aside from these issues. I'm having a used alternator put in by a friend who tipped me off about this site and can do much of the other work for really cheap. I'm not sure how much more money I want to put into this car though. I've found a number of 94-96 850s which seems affordable with between 100-120k on them. I'm wondering if I should keep the 740 running for a while longer or upgrade to an 850. I can do some repairs myself but certainly do not want to end up with something not reliable. Is an 850 a good route or should I be looking at something else? i.e. a differnt volvo model or possibly a subaru. I live in MI and the snow right now is horrendous.

Any help would be really appreciated,

Thanks

Ian

Very kewl to hear from other brickheads who have moved from a 700 series to an 850.
My old 760GLT turbo was a best friend, (13 years as a member of the family, and a probable site of my first conceived...)
Recently, I bought a 94 850T Wagon.
I've added a few performance things since purchase and find that I'm have a really hard time choosing between driving it or my Silverado 4x4 even on snow days.
I can't speak to the "long-run" of the 850's but the "fun factor" is 300% vs. the 700's.
Ask yourself, (as I did) if it is really time to say goodbye to your 740.
850 is younger, racier, and won't require alimony. Just make sure it's a turbo, and you can always justify a wagon as a family car.
Cheers!
Armie

It's certainly possible to keep a 740 running practically forever, but you'll really like the 850, especially in the snow. It's not as easy to work on as a 740 though. I have and love both -- the 850 is a more modern car, and is the result of about 10 additional years of engineering advancement.

I live in New Hampshire, and while the 740 is a good snow car for RWD, the 850 is just a great snow car. Also my 740 doesn't have ABS and I think all 850s do, and traction control as well.

I've found maintenance to be about the same. My 850 goes through front brake lines more often though -- not a clue why; as far as I can see they're the same lines, but on the 850 they get little cracks near the calipers.

I like driving the 850 better on the highway; quieter and smoother. Better seats. The 740 has a slightly more nimble feel on curves, at least to me.
--
87 745T, 97 855. Nine out of ten Black Labs recommend Volvo wagons!

Oh gawd, the FWD vs RWD flaming will start anew.

I had a 87 764t4, which was replaced by a 96 854t5. Reliability tween the two is comparable, if you do the appropriate service at the right time, you will never be stranded. Costs were about the same for either car. Other than the RWD, which I do miss, there is no comparison. The 850 is a better, more comfortable car with a vastly more refined motor.

As with any used car, a competent pre-purchase inspection is essential. Maintenance is critical to keeping the 850s running right, if the previous owner didn't, you will pay.

Others will, I am sure, have there own opinions.

Good luck.

Oh gawd, the FWD vs RWD flaming will start anew.

I had a 87 764t4, which was replaced by a 96 854t5. Reliability tween the two is comparable, if you do the appropriate service at the right time, you will never be stranded. Costs were about the same for either car. Other than the RWD, which I do miss, there is no comparison. The 850 is a better, more comfortable car with a vastly more refined motor.

As with any used car, a competent pre-purchase inspection is essential. Maintenance is critical to keeping the 850s running right, if the previous owner didn't, you will pay.

Others will, I am sure, have there own opinions.

Good luck.

agreed...apart from the possibhle issue on (early??) 850 autoboxes....buy a neglected volvo at your peril....