I got a 1997 850 R today

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Dec 2025, 16:57

It was @gmh's. Many thanks to him for the very low price, and mountains of parts included. He was going to donate it and emailed me first asking if I wanted it. I'm the 4th owner.

Gotta fix:

NOx failure at smog check, probably a vacuum leak
AC compressor
Put on new timing belt
ABS throwing the dash light, GMH said it's probably a rear wheel sensor

Engine sounds great, heat works, seat controls work, radio works, brakes feel fine, steering feels fine. No wobbles. Starts right up. I ran it easy going home because the vacuum leak is probably causing a lean condition and I don't want to tickle that dragon's tail.

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Post by **volvolugnut** » 07 Dec 2025, 17:16

R.
RED.
WAGON.

What's not to like?
volvolugnut

chaosrob · Post by **chaosrob** » 07 Dec 2025, 17:38

very nice

Post by **abscate** » 07 Dec 2025, 19:02

With a beautiful wateRfall gRill, without any eggs.

Post by **Sveedy** » 07 Dec 2025, 19:20

Very nice find ! I thought you were eying a neighbors red R some time back.

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 Dec 2025, 19:22

I’ve missed my chance.

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Dec 2025, 19:44

Sveedy wrote: ↑07 Dec 2025, 19:20 Very nice find ! A thought you were eying a neighbors red R some time back.

I tried to buy it. I left a note, but he never got back to me. Graphite interior too.

BlackBart wrote: ↑07 Dec 2025, 19:22 I’ve missed my chance.

I'll buy your Turbo BB!* Tan or graphite interior?

* if you can hold onto it for a year or two... this 850 fell into my lap... as if I was in my 20s and someone was handing out free, cold glasses of Fat Tire Ale on some sidewalk in July. "Do I want one of those? Of course I want one of those!" GMH lives only 40 minutes away, and my friends were going to her mom's house in Longmont so I got a ride from them. It was too easy, too close to refuse.

abscate wrote: ↑07 Dec 2025, 19:02 With a beautiful wateRfall gRill, without any eggs.

All waterfall, with the R on the grille. Beautiful design.

chaosrob wrote: ↑07 Dec 2025, 17:38very nice

The paint will need some love, detailing inside and out. I might kill the pinstripes depending on how much that runs. I have no clue.

volvolugnut wrote: ↑07 Dec 2025, 17:16 R.
RED.
WAGON.

What's not to like?
volvolugnut

It's a local car, still with the Monarch badge. My dad's friend owned Monarch (Mazda, Volvo) in the 80s, and sold to MacDonald Group in the 90s. I spoke to him about it roughly two years ago. He has fascinating stories. For instance, they had to order four Mazda sedans or trucks to get one RX-7. It was a 4:1 deal.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Dec 2025, 20:06

I hear you to buy 10 Taylor Swift Albums to get on Miata now.

(for bdub)

Post by **850 LPT** » 08 Dec 2025, 11:31

Wow, very nice!! Congrats Matt and good luck with it. I kinda like the P2 wheels on it.

Post by **scot850** » 08 Dec 2025, 23:19

Funny, I am the complete opposite! Dump those wheels ASAP!! A set of Thors or if you can find a set of Volans.

Having said that, it is your car and you have whatever you like on it!

Good Luck with your new car.

Neil.