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Will, about every fourth 850 that I see advertised locally mentions a leaky headgasket, a replaced head gasket or needing the work to be performed (hence the cheap price). I really do not know these engines other than what you state about it being like a B6304 with one less cylinder so that is the reason for the question. The 850s I have driven have been "OK" but not as solid feeling as the RWD models. The comfort level, however, does seem to be very good. The high water mark for me (not having driven any of the most recent V70 models) is the 95-98 960/V/S/90 series. I like that handling and I'm a fan of RWD.
What I am not a fan of on my RWD Volvos (and this was more true of my dearly departed 764 and 262) is the A/C and heater malfunctioning, the leaks from beneath the engine bay, and the problems with the steering racks to name a few. If I were to inherit all of that along with sacrificing the solidity of the older models, I would have to seriously contemplate sticking with my dinoVolvos.
Then, of course, there is my wife who really wants (and deserves) a more comfortable ride since she is moving two kids around in whatever car *I* decide to buy and maintain. That is really the motivating factor today.
Sincere thanks for relating your experiences.
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1991 745 & 1993 965 /// RIP: 86 764T; 79 262C
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