Hi all.
I've been shopping for a Volvo wagon for a few months now. Have pretty well given up finding a decent RWD wagon in my area, so have looked at some V70's and 850 wagons. Some ok, some beat up. I need a winter car in the next few weeks.

Today I went to look at a very nice 850 non-turbo sedan. I found the trunk very large, and with the back seats folder forward, the cargo space is probably sufficient for my needs, so I may not need a wagon.

This car is being sold by the original owners, only has about 130k miles. Auto shifts well, no warning lights, interior VERY clean, only a few small surface rust spots on the outside (bottom of wheel arches, and top corner above windshield). They owner only puts on 9000 miles a year and changes the oil and filter 3 times a year. Since 2 years ago, he is using synthetic. Asking price is $3000 but there is flexibility.

From gleaning the considerable and organized maintenance records (this car has been serviced by Volvo repair shops very regularly), some highlights:

- will need sway bar bushings and rear brakes soon
- new steering rack and front brakes
- new shocks and door seals
- recent tie rod ends, front control arms
- compression test 6 months ago: 180-175-200-185-185
- owner needs to add 1L oil between changes (shop says no leaks, so engine burns 1 or 2L oil every 3000 miles)
- AC compressor and evaporator replaced in 2007
- timing belt replaced around 65,000 miles so I assume it's soon due! (130 now)

I'm concerned about the oil consumption. I put a piece of cardboard underneath the engine after the test drive and left it there while looking at the paperwork. It showed no drips, but pictures I took underneath show some wetness under the engine.

Otherwise it's a clean, comfortable car that runs and drives very well. Bit of wind noise from windshield area, otherwise very quiet and smooth.

What do you think??