I like my '96 850 T-5 wagon very much, mainly for the oodles of power and smooth tranny. It's a wonderful long-trip car. There's a BIG power difference in the turbo models and the N/A models. Go for the turbo, maybe a 96 or 97. The LPT turbo puts out about 200 hp; the T-5, about 220. I think the R is up to about 245hp.

There are some known trouble spots with 850s, however, and they ain't cheap to fix. See if you can get one that has already addressed these issues:

AC evaporator
Rear main seal
Tracs/ABS module
Various electrical: PNP switch, ignition switch ...

Also, the timing belt needs to be done at 70k intevals -- very important to be on schedule with it.

I'd pass if a seller can't/won't show you detailed maintenance records. They're crucial for a car like this (i.e., one with known trouble areas) that is, at the youngest, 6 years old.

Good luck!

Dan L.
Binghamton, NY