possibly buying 850, is it expensive to repair? Topic is solved

Post by **matthew1** » 22 Jun 2003, 14:39

You might want to stick to the RWD Volvos. You've mentioned cost-of-ownership a couple times now. The 850 is more complicated, and yes, more expensive. Things like ABS modules are $600 w/ labor. And they probably go out at a higher rate than Volvo is comfortable with. Same with AC condensers, only they're $1100 w/ labor

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See http://kinovolvo.velez.ws/ to scare yourself away from the 850. Me? My 850 has been ok... not problem free, but I haven't had any big problems such as $200+. It's been 'ok.' If I didn't do my own work, I would have had some $200+ things.

AutoX47 · Post by **AutoX47** » 22 Jun 2003, 21:46

when talking about handling I would take the RWD car any day. The 850 t5-R pulled .81g's on skidpad and 850R pulled .87 but that was new, and you aren't looking at those models anyway so I would definatley go for the 900, which I have heard is volvo's best rwd chassis in terms of handling

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 24 Jun 2003, 08:06

ian, if it's not too late, let me pass on my mechanic's advice. he said that the 940 would last forever, but that the 850 is risky (his receptionist used another word which i won't here). he said that the 940 has the same engine they use in tractors....in other words, he likes it.

ian · Post by **ian** » 25 Jun 2003, 06:01

Thanks for your advice. I've decided on a 940, it's cheaper to buy and insure as well.

AutoX47 · Post by **AutoX47** » 01 Jul 2003, 14:55

i wish i had one instead of my 850 if it was a turbo

sgm · Post by **sgm** » 02 Jul 2003, 14:45

I am buying a 1996 volvo turbo wagon tomorrow. It is from a dealer, 77, 000 miles, very good shape. They are recharging the a/c. I had my mechanic check it out. He said there was no reason not to buy it. He likes the 850s better than the v70s. I am a little worried. I haggled a 2-year warranty out of the dealer so I should be in good shape. Any thoughts?

ian · Post by **ian** » 03 Jul 2003, 17:21

With recharging the AC. I know someone who spent

AutoX47 · Post by **AutoX47** » 07 Jul 2003, 00:10

sgm wrote:I am buying a 1996 volvo turbo wagon tomorrow. It is from a dealer, 77, 000 miles, very good shape. They are recharging the a/c. I had my mechanic check it out. He said there was no reason not to buy it. He likes the 850s better than the v70s. I am a little worried. I haggled a 2-year warranty out of the dealer so I should be in good shape. Any thoughts?

sounds good as long as its checked out and is solid 77 is good miles good job on the buy get a transmission cooler is what i suggest for improved life span hope you are happy with the car!

850woes · Post by **850woes** » 22 Jul 2003, 17:35

We bought a used 850 from a Volvo dealership and then low and behold the clutch and transmission needed to be replaced (clutch within weeks / transmission a few months later). Get your volvo checked privately even with a dealer. Who knows how the person drove it --- ours only had 107,000 km on it and everyone we meet (including service people) express disbelief and shock --- a standard transmission 850 almost never goes -- the guy who is fixing it says he's only ever done 2 or 3 in his career -- however this is cold comfort for us or anyone who does have to do it. It is a nice car but I pray this is the last of our problems -- if not bye bye Volvo -- hello something cheaper to fix.