Christine,

I, like you, have grown fond of the reliability of the RWD volovos. I have had 2 240's, a 740, and a 940. I recently (a month ago) purchased a 97 850 t5. So far I love it. I've had to do a little maitenance (replaced a 2.50 hose and an oil change). Granted, I have only had it a month and I am sure there will be problem over the long haul, but I love it.

When I was looking into the 850 I started asking how much people were spending to maintain them. Over the life of the nine, yes nine, RWD Volvos that my family has owned, they seem to be running about two grand a year to keep in good shape (having someone else do the work). The overwhelming response has been that that should pretty much cover the cost of the 850 as well. Perhaps it will run a little more here in the first few years as I try and get all the kinks worked out. That being sad, my parents have not spent near that much on the 93 850T that they have.

There are of course the two biggies with the 850 - the RMS and the AC evap - which you should be prepared to face if you decide to go with one. As long as you go in knowing that that is a potential problem, then you shouldn't be too surprised.

All in all, it is my opinion that the added expense is well worth the increase pleasure of driving the 850.

You'll just have to weigh those two facts - more exp. and more fun - and decide if it's a fair trade off.

Word of caution - which I am sure that you prbably have heard already bu bears repeating. MAKE SURE TO VERIFY MAINTENANCE HISTORY. A car that has not been maintained well, will certainly cause you more problems than one that has.



Sam