Hi - I'm new to this part of the forum since I’m an owner of a 740 GLE wagon, 1990 16-valve with 228K. Got it cheap and have learned a lot of auto mechanics on it fixing it up in the past 2 years and 50,000 miles. Now I am looking at buying a second Volvo. This second one would be for me to drive to work, and let the wagon get used more locally by teen-aged daughter.

Local small used-car dealer has a 1996 (door plate say "1/96") 850 GLT sedan for sale, with 205K on the odometer. Looked it over today quickly, need to go back for a test drive if it seems promising. Asking $2995.

Needs two new front tires (evenly worn, just not much more than legal minimum of tread left). Started nicely, battery but looks old and terminal need cleaning. Idled fine. Shifted smoothly in limited driving in lot. Inside stuff all seems to work, a/c was cold but it seemed to start some compressor cycling after a couple minutes of idling. Interior is pretty good, just normal wear and pretty clean.

Oil seemed normally, oil filter was recently changed by its looks, no obvious fluid leaks. Brake fluid was golden, steering fluid looked clean, no burnt smell to trans fluid. Noticed significant rust on some of the fittings going into the radiator - to the degree that I’d replace them. Car has a NC dealer’s sticker and looks like it has been in the south all its life.

What’s next? Is this a good car to investigate? It is a good model and year? I’ve read about needing to check the trans performance out on a couple of steep hills and on the highway. Anything else?

My independent Volvo mechanic is some miles away. I’d like him to check it, but there is also a excellent local garage here in town (Mooresville, NC). Can a general shop do a good check over? That would be easier to arrange.

What about price? - just from what I see, I’m thinking in the $2400-2600 range to allow for a new pair of tires and replace the rusted fittings and maybe the radiator hoses. Am I going to find this similar in ways to my 740 in terms of electrical and engine work so I can do much of the upkeep and repair myself?

So, advice would be appreciated - should I keep checking this out, what to look for, etc. - or skip it and keep looking? BTW, before I saw this, I was generically searching for a solid 240.

Many thanks.
Brian