The 850's are fairly maintence intensive cars but great fun to drive. If you do moderate work yourself, that will help. Being FWD with sideways engines, they are often a pain to work on. They have some well documented big $$$ problems such as (1) A/C evaporator failure >$1000. (2) Rear main seal failure $800-1000., (3) ABS controller failure $4-500+ or have the unit rebuilt for about $130. (4) various other less expensive but annoying problems. Avoid ones at all costs that don't have well documented ATF fluid changes. Volvo "didn't mention" ATF changes so there are lots of them around with the origional stuff still in there. Make sure the flame trap (non turbo models) has been changed/cleaned on a regular basis. If not, the main engines seals are probably blown. Check if the A/C evaporator was changed. May be a good negoating point if it hasn't been. Timing belt MUST be changed on schedule. Make sure it has been. Unlike the 240-740, if it breaks your engine is destroyed. Good luck!

bl