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As usual, MadeInJapan nails it.
I bought a '97 850 Base Sedan, manual, in late '96 and within a year regretted two things:
1.) I should have bought a wagon -- the utilitarian value is great, and I wouldn't give up my V70R AWD wagon today for anything but another V70R AWD. For dogs, stuff, or people, we couldn't be without the wagon now.
2.) I should have bought a turbo, either a GLT or full T5 (I think both have advantages over the other). The base engine, at 168hp, was just WAY too weak for my tastes -- though a K&N air filter and having a manual transmission did help a fair amount.
Other things:
- The base 850 has a lot of "body roll." The slightly beefier suspension in the Turbos, if not IPD's anti-sway bars, are essential for predictable and responsive handling. If you feel the same thing in either model you may purchase, IPD's add-ins are a not-too-pricey upgrade.
I never had AC or ABS problems (as of 100K miles -- my mother has it now, so we'll see), but had weird little things like a failed gas tank lid release, a defective gas tank meter, and dash bulbs burning out early (possibly because I always use the daytime running lights and usually just left the interior dimmer set at about 80%).
It was, and continues to be, a good family car, if a bit dull compared to our other Volvos. The plush cloth seats were nice -- cool in summer, warm in winter.
Good luck with the quest.
-KB
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'99 C70 Convertible || '99 V70R AWD || '90 780 Turbo (for sale)
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