Thanks for the help guys. Wonderful information. I am ok when working on cars, can do most small stuffs and some major work, like changing struts and timing belts on my 1990 Acura Legend. But I am buying this car for my gf. She's driving a 2001 corolla at this time, which is absolutely trouble free. But after 10 minutes test drive, she completely fell in love with the 96 850. Here in MA people drive like crazy, and I really want a bigger car for her. What I prefer is a late model 240, which I believe, once get all things fixed up, can run tons of trouble free miles. But she doesn't like the boxy outlook. It seems the FWD volvo's reliability is far below those old volvo's. Do you think it's wise to let a wife/gf drive a 850? I meant I can live with cars with issues. But maybe reliability is much more important for a woman who completely has no idea on cars? (except how they look)