Planning on buying a 1993 850

Boston Volvo · Post by **Boston Volvo** » 25 Jan 2005, 23:07

I'm new to this forum. Can anyone give me any dirt on the 1993 850s?? I know that was the first model year for the 850. It was also their first model year ever for front-wheel drive too - oftentimes NOT a good choice for that reason alone. Can anyone tell me of the car's weak points? It has a four-speed automatic transmission too. Is the drivetrain weak? Any engine issues? Any weak spots at all? Thanks.

Post by **dosbricks** » 26 Jan 2005, 12:08

`93s had a 50k interval on the timing belt change (subsequent years are 70k because they made the belt wider. They also have 4 lug bolts per wheel (this was before Volvo made options to boost the HP) which is not a problem. Other than that, they are about the same up to `96 when OBD II became mandatory.

Boston Volvo · Post by **Boston Volvo** » 26 Jan 2005, 14:13

I'm glad to hear that. This car does have the 4 lug bolts per wheel too that's true. I thought for sure it would be wracked with front-end problems being the first model year.

Thanks for responding, I'll keep an eye on that timing belt. Does that also mean you should replace the water pump every 50K? Isn't the pump run off the belt??

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 26 Jan 2005, 18:24

The front and rear bumper do not have the same top as later years. The headlight is different as it contains only a single bulb .

vanman250 · Post by **vanman250** » 27 Jan 2005, 09:27

I have over 200,000 miles on my 1993 850 and other then regular maintenance I had the seal on the oil pump replaced and the driver seat cable. It still runs and handles great. I would drive it across the county tomorrow and not think twice. Good luck with your new to you car.

vanman250

Post by **dosbricks** » 27 Jan 2005, 12:26

Boston Volvo wrote:
Does that also mean you should replace the water pump every 50K? Isn't the pump run off the belt??

Yes, it runs off the T-belt, but if the '93 water pump is like the following 850's, they are legendary for their endurance. I plan to replace ours at 140K, but that is just for peace of mind.