I own a 1996 855 T-5 with 91k that I love to drive but do not love to own. The car's fantastic engine, good winter traction, and gigantic cargo room are becoming offset by the complexity of maintenance and cost of repair with each passing year. The 850/s/v70 models are plagued with a range of costly trouble spots. From 65k-90k miles my car seemed to hit a bunch of them: failed thermostat, AC evaporator died, ABS/Tracs module on the fritz, leaking heater core (replaced), failed alternator, random electrical quirks, tailgate trim that just wouldn't stay on, failing tail gate supports… I'm keeping an eye out for failure of the rear main seal, a common and potentially catastrophic 850 malady. On top of all that in the cold, the car creaks and groans like an old mattress. Not as bad in the warm but still very noticeable. All this despite my very good, reliable Indie mechanic doing the maintenance on schedule.

These are the reasons why I’m thinking of making a change to an older RWD Volvo. They *seem* to be less trouble-prone and simpler to live with. I am a RWD newbie and am hoping the RWD experts out there can help me to balance the issues/options in this decision since I would be trading a newer car for an older one. I'd like advice and opinions on the issue of the switch itself and secondly, the relative merits of choosing a 1990-1993 245 or a 745. If I do switch, here are the things I want to know about the 245 vs. the 745:

1. Longevity : how long will it run smooth and feel tight? I hoped the 855 would become one of those 250k bricks that so many people on this BB own but I'm not sure it's going to make it. My 855’s creaks and squeaks do a lot to lessen the feeling that this is a solid, well-made car. I get the feeling that this car might go 150k or so, but at that time I will be in debtors prison.

2. Cost of ownership/DIY factor : what are some sample prices for common wear items on the 245 or 745 and can I replace some of these myself? The engine bay of the 855 is so crammed and so busy that I am loathe to try to get in there.

3. Frequency of repair: what are the common trouble spots for either model and assuming good maintenance, how common are they?

4. Cargo capacity – with the seats folded, which car can carry more stuff?

5. Is a wagon with a manual tranny hard to find? I would much prefer a stick to an automatic.

6. Winter driving: this is one of the reasons I bought the 855 in the first place (fwd). How do the 245 and 745 fare in the white stuff? I use snow tires.

7. Fun to drive: when my 855 is healthy it’s a total blast, especially on the highway. 220hp! Am I giving away the store in the performance category if I switch to a 245 or 745?

Many thanks!

--Dan L., Binghamton NY