1995 850 T-5 "R" Model

[cudatime71]

Hello group-
We posted on our endeavor to find a good used Volvo. We're searching high and low. We are now looking at a 1995 850 T-5 "R" model w/109K miles, 1 owner, all maintenance records for $4,400 inclusive of tags, title and tax. Any thoughts on this model/deal? Any info is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
cudatime71

[jblackburn]

They're amazing and pretty rare cars. And FAST

You'll likely have to do some basic maintenance on it if you get it, so keep that in mind. I will tell you this though...If you're scared to work on a car yourself or must pay someone else to do it, don't buy it.

Things to look for:
-Odd wear patterns on the tires.
-Pull out the oil dipstick after a drive with the engine idling. If you see smoke puffing out of the opening, you'll need to clean the PCV.
-Stomp the brakes good and hard, make sure the ABS still works.
-Keep in mind the odometer dies on many 850's, so that may NOT be the true mileage. You can pull this later from the OBD computer.
-Listen for any odd rattles over bumps, suspension components are a very common failure item now that all of these cars are getting older. Most of them are relatively easy to fix yourself if you've got the tools.
-Try out the AC. The evaporators are another common failure item, and require removing the whole dash (or about $1200) to replace.

[phils94850]

+1 on jablackburns thoughts...

Well... the "R" model is a dream of mine to have and there getting hard to find. If it has all the maint. records and been taken care of in my opinion thats a fair price for the car.

if you get a chance post some pics of it and thatll help us give you a bias opinion or be jealous

[wheelsup]

I would pay that much for that low of mileage yellow T5-R, especially if you plan on keeping it a long time.

[cudatime71]

Wow, jablackburn, thanks for such a detailed response. My husband does work on cars, but says I have more confidence than his abilities. He's always willing to try and usually succeeds in getting the job done. He'll be working on this himself. I am especially grateful for the tips in test driving. I'm kind of excited about seeing the "T5R" now that I've read the Wikipedia on it. I saw one for sale on Ebay about 6 months ago and then saw this posted. I would imagine with the speed comes less gas mileage? Thanks again...I'll let you know how our test drive goes.
Merry - wife of cudatime71

[jblackburn]

Mileage is comparable to a newer sedan with a V6, but a little better on the highway.

Have fun

[cudatime71]

How can we confirm that this is a TR5. Will there be special lettering in the VIN? Thanks!
M-

[jblackburn]

Yes, it will have a VIN starting with

YV1LS58

The 58 indicates it is a true R. 850 T5's have a -57 vin.

[cudatime71]

Thanks...it checks out. I'm leaving now to hopefully bring her home!

[Ozark Lee]

Is it Yellow or is it Black. Those were the only two versions in the US for the 1995 model year.

The Yellow car is more rare than the black for what it is worth. Yellow wagons are rarer still - Hens teeth rare.

...Lee