ok, having not owned a Volvo for at least 6 years (last was an 81 245 wagon), how reliable is the ball joints, tie rods etc on the 850's? I've been looking at 850;s over 110k miles, but I'd like to know how much longer should I expect to go b4 I replace these components?

I suppose this is a bit of a redundant q'n, but I already know to expect that the powertrain is pretty much indestructable. The electircal system is pretty much hit or miss, so that just leaves the suspension and steering systems.

All of the cars I have inspected with about 250kms (156k miles) all have only had the struts and shocks replaced, not anything else. I find this interesting since the 97 Escort I have with a little over 125k miles has had new sturts on all 4 corners, ball joints, and still I have a mysterious clunk in the front end.

Can I expect a lower mileage 850 to be more reliable over the long term? I have really taken a liking to these since lately the reviews on these have been mostly positive (I don't like investing in a car that's too new, as I can risk throwing my $ down the toilet on a well-known POS).

I was directed towards a wagon, but I don't like the rattling of the tailgate that's been apparent since alot of the 200's and 700's...and even the early 145's.

thanks in advance for all the replies