If your going for an 850 stay away from 93 or 94 models with automatic transmissions. They were the first years that a FWD Volvo was out in North America, unless its a standard. 850's also have and issue with the A/C evaporator, make sure that its been done or your looking at around $1200.00 or more.

My office neighbour has a 960, much nicer than the 850, and from what hes told me, there pretty solid cars. Hes a real-estate agent that spends all day in his car. So far hes done brakes, tires, and tune-ups, and at 200,000KM nothing else, NOTHING!!

In my opinion though, the 850 is more sporty, and front wheel drive (Canadian Winters say I have to have a FWD). But the 960 is probably the better car, if you dont need a FWD!