Well, I would watch out for 93s (early transmission failures), but look for an 96 -97 or s-70, Seems like some bargains are out there online. I have a 93 and 94 850 (had a 95, but it was totaled this summer by a tree). I swore I would never go front wheel drive after having over 59 Volvos since 79. Mostly 240s, a 164, 140s, etc.

I got my first 95 850 for $3200 last year - put 10k on it in a year - but there were things that I could do myself on 240s that are a challenge on 850s -timing belt, water pump etc. I got my 93 850 last fall for $900 (owner abused and needed a lot of work) and put $2000 in parts - most work by me. Brakes, plugs, t-belt, tires, etc. It has 171K and the trans was replaced at 160K by prior owner. Paid a garage to do the t-belt, tensioner and water pump. It went 2000 miles to Fla and back and did not miss a beat. Has a few body dings and the ac quit on me this summer, but it starts every darn day without a wimper.

850 #2 Our 94 850 wagon 103K - had it two months - it replaced the totaled 95. Paid $3950 and I have put in $1000 in pre-emptive repairs. Same deal, brakes, t-belt and water pump, all hoses. Just flushed the trans today and did an oil change. Fully expect this one to go another 100K with ease.

But I still have an 86 240 beater wagon that runs like a top and an 88 740 sedan project that I just did a valve job, along with new rod bearings and an oil pump.

Bottom line - I see lots of 940s coming down in price. Saw an 94 940 wagon for $2300 (buy it now on ebay!)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2489625323&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

If this 940 was closer to Ohio, I would buy it in a second - if the trans and engine were solid - you could throw another $1000 in it and have a nice car.

Contrast that to a $3000-$7000 850, depending on the year and mileage. Even the 93 850s are still bringing about $3200, which is what I have in my 93.
Compare this 850 - another one I would love to have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2489870064&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

If you are used to a 240 and want to do your own work - the 92-95 940s would be the ticket. The 850 will be a bit more costly to fix and if you have a trans failure, timing belt failure (which will kill the engine) or rear main seal - bigger bucks! I need to do the front suspension on the 93 850 and I think parts alone would be $600 - on a 240 a front suspension can be done for half that.

So far, the 850s we own are doing better on gas and I do like the ride. Plus more power (that extra cyc is nice) but I still love the 86 240!!

Bob Weber
Hamilton, Ohio 45103
59 Volvos since 1979
94 850 103K Ruby Redhawk
93 850 171K Dusty
88 740 175K Ella Blue
86 240 147K Woody
http://home.cinci.rr.com/rweber6/