Well, as I get to the edge of the grave on my '96, I'm looking at new ones. Since I don't really mind doing work on the cars I'm thinking of getting one from a dealer auction (for cheap) and having to do the work to get it up to par. I think entering the car knowing I've got to replace a major thing or two is a lot easier than getting a surprise in a few thousand miles.

So, I've looked around a bit on craigslist and it seems that a good condition 850 goes for about 2k out here. How much should I knock off my bid for the repair jobs coming up? Here's an estimate of what I'm thinking:


Timing belt (this age, I assume water pump replaced too) -$350
head gasket-$700
valve job - $500
leaky oil (cam seals or ptc)- $200
black transmission oil- $200 (this is to lower my risk if transmission is going, however burnt=run)
CAT/O2 codes - $200
rebuild turbo -$400
A/C not working - $500

Are these close, and should there be more? Also, do they hold for an S/V70?

I can't drive the car around, so I really don't know much about the condition of the transmission/suspension/brakes. Not sure how to check transmission outside of the transmission fluid and perhaps a code showing up. Any way to check suspension?

Also, I recall there used to be a place in FL that rebuilt heads (machined it down, replaced valves, etc.), does anyone have a link/information on them?
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If you're not driving it "like its stolen," are you really driving?