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We've only had our 1997 850 wagon for a few months, so I cannot comment on long-term costs. However, the 850 is a significant jump up from the 240s we looked at. Compared to the 240, you get a lot more passenger room (240 was unacceptable to my 36-in legs), much better seats and ergonomics, a significantly safer car (side impact protection and side air bags were standard by 1996 or 97), and 1.5 times the power yet the same gas milage.
However, it is an expensive car compared to say a Camry or Taurus but cheaper than a Jaguar. You get value for that money, but you need to decide whether it is worth it. For the same money as an 850, you will get as many miles out of a newer Taurus or Camry and spend less on repairs. But you don't get as good brakes, as many safety features, or as enjoyable a car to drive. Your choice.
Your best bet in a Volvo, based on my research, is a base model 96 or 97 850, normally aspirated, mechanical cloth seats. It's all the gratuitous junk like turbos and power seats that break and cost you money. After a few years, the leather on these looks so-so (Volvo is not Jaguar) while the cloth still looks great. We have a 5spd, which is rare, and gives more spunk than anyone needs with the 168hp base motor. After 97, Volvo modified enough things in going to the S70/V70 that it took a couple more years to shake out the problems. Take a look at JD Powers or Consumer Reports -- things improve up to 96/97 then fall for 98. Years hurt more than miles. Look at the repair records. There are a lot of wealthy liberals out there now (cf David Brooks recent column on knowledge class vs business class) who can afford meticulous maintainance and who want to upgrade to a fancy new S80/V70. Ours was at the dealer every 5000 miles for whatever it needed, and it shows.
You can get Volvo 940s up to about 1995, but these are really showing their age compared to say a 2000 Taurus for the same price and half the miles. There is a certain cult factor in some markets to the RWD Volvos that drive up the price relative to objectively comparable cars. In Seattle, a 1992 240 w/ 100,000 miles will run you $8000.
-Eric
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