Yes, the vinyl seperating on the 70 series cars is a known problem. Our S70 has this on all 4 doors. It really isn't all that bothersome.... at least not enough to dish out $2000 for replacement door panels. Speaking of armrests, I very much prefer the shape of the inside of the door panel on the 85...

If you can get the bulb out of the holder, I'd suggest picking up some bulbs from Radio Shack and soldering them in. That's what I've done on some of the other very small lights in switches in the car.

HID's + E-code's. You'll love it.

The two big expensive repairs are the rear main seal and the A/C evaporator. Soo, make sure that there is no oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Then run the A/C for several minutes and make sure it stays turned on and blows cold.

Examine all of your vacuum lines and elbows very carefully. Pay special attention to the one on the passenger side of the intake manifold. It's kinda tough to see, but it's there.

These cars are very very similar when it comes down to it and most of the problems with them will be seen on both the later 850's and the 70 series cars. Just from my personal experience, the interior of the S/V70 is more quiet, and a bit more modern feeling. My 850's interior definitely has more ra...

If you like doing your own work on the car, wait for a '98 to show up. Even though the problematic ETM on the '99 and '00 is being taken care of, there are lots of other things on that car that make it not very friendly for the DIY'er.

I wouldn't blame the head gasket so quick. The turbo models are known to have a common issue with the radiator that allows the the coolant and oil to mix.

I have to wonder if you have the early intercooler piping that Volvo changed in the later '94 models due to freezing problems. Perhaps you could take a picture of the engine bay and we'll be able to tell for sure. I take it that the basic tune-up items have been taken care of (air filter, fuel filte...

After the second oil change on the 850 I went with a Fumoto brass valve with extended nipple. Happy customer. No problems with oil changes, no more hassel with crush washers, and no need for a oil plug wrench. It does drain at a slower rate so I do have time to pull the filter and perform my other ...