So I'm getting a new/used car, and I'm thinking about picking up an 850. As of right now I am trying to ascertain "dream" model/year combinations (I will then settle as closely as possible depending on what I can find).

The parameters are as follow:

- manual
- fast acceleration (i.e., turbo)
- wagon

After doing some research over at bill garlands site I've come to the conclusion that the only intersection of the 850 Turbo with the manual transmission was 1995/1996 prod. runs.

The questions i have are as follow:

1) Are there any known problems to look out for in these two years? 95-96 is a couplaq years into the model, so I figure most kinks were worked out, but I figure it prudent to check.

2) Was the combination I'm looking for sold in the US? Was it sold in any serious quantities? I know most volvo owners are quaint granny types who like the automatics (yes, I'm a snot who doesn't think being able to drive an automatic qualifies as being able to drive at all) and that the manuals are always available in limited numbers, but I don't even know if this combo (850 turbo manual) was sold in the states...

All responses appreciated, thanks in advance for any help. Once I ascertain that these cars exist I can begin the hunt for a good condition version with acceptable coloring... should only take me 2-3 years... ;)

-rt