We just picked up a '94 850 sedan to replace our Toyota 4runner which needs more repair than its worth. I've had a lot of volvos, ranging from 544's and 240's and everything in between. I've always worked on them myself and thought they were just great. I've always been skeptical of the 850 and all the newer front wheel drive ones, it always seemed the 240 was ... just fine. I'm also not a fan of lots of fancy stuff (power windows, butt warmers etc...) and this 850 has more than I knew was even possible! I gave up working on new cars when we got the '90 4runner, and I never expected to be able to do much on the new Volvo - so that wont dissapoint me. (getting tired of working on cars anyhow) This car was $2000, it's in super condition - everything works. Its got a 5 speed and a bit over 200,000 miles. I'm impressed by the milage and how well it works.

We live in the mountains, and occasionally the 4 wheel drive is nice. this car doesnt have it, but it has "tracs" (which im not sure how it works or exactly what it does!). I love the way it drives and the fuel economy - it makes my old 240 feel like a cow. The main problem with it is probably clearance - I wonder if one can raise it slightly somehow, or perhaps just fit slightly taller tires?

I wonder what sort of miles folks are starting to see on these cars? Just how long do they hold up, can we expect them to last forever like 240's? - or will the cost of repairs make them like our Toyota... not worth the price of fixing? Itll be fun to see, in the mean time its great to drive, super comfortable and it cost about the same as a valve job would've on our Toyota.