Hello again,

My brother has found one that he's thinking about buying.

It's a clean '96 850 found here.

And, for good measure, it's got a clean record found here. (According to that report, they've had trouble getting it to pass emissions for the past three years, though it has passed and is registered. Beware?)

He's driving it home today under loan so we can further check it out. But we have a few questions regarding how expensive certain repairs will be.

First, he noticed a squeeking from the front driver's side when the car goes over bumps.

Second, there's also what he described as a grinding or scraping from the front end. It increases with the speed of the car. He couldn't be more specific, but once it gets here I'll be able to hear it and I can re-post a better description if need be.

Finally, the trunk won't open, even with the key.

The main thing we need to know is whether or not this sounds like any sort of transmission troubles. Or if it's a CV joint. He wants to buy the car, but won't if it doesn't sound like it'll be cheap enough to repair and keep on the road.

Thanks for all the info Brickboard! You've been very helpful. I'm learning a lot for my inevitable eventual purchase of my own 850. :)

volfro