Kissing toads; no prince yet

robbo · Post by **robbo** » 12 Jul 2010, 22:58

Hello,
Just joined the forum after lurking for a while. If the title of the post didn't tip you off, I've been car shopping with dismal success. I'm looking for an 850 Turbo wagon and after looking at six cars and walking away from each one disappointed, I need some expert opinions.

The site has been invaluable for someone who has never owned a Volvo before and I've learned a lot of the things to look for. The cars cost more to repair than most I've owned so choosing wisely is important. Of the six I looked at, only one ran like I believe Volvo intended it to. I've seen blown head gaskets, smoking dipsticks and check engine lights a plenty. Most of these cars were in the 3K - $3500 price range which is where the private party cars are priced locally. I don't have a problem with paying for quality, I just need to see it!

Some questions that I need to know: I would really like to find a 1996 or newer car so that the OBDII scanners could be easily used. Is this vital? Can a 1995 and older be diagnosed in the same manner just as easily? I've read about the easily serviced auto trans, but isn't there a filter to be serviced as well? I'm also not certain about published power outputs of the different version of the turbo vehicles. Are all the turbo cars putting out 222hp or just the T-5s?

Any help appreciated.

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Jul 2010, 23:14

That's a bit of a loaded question

If you're having no luck finding a good 850, have you considered any of the V70's? Same car, a little more rounded and an "updated" interior.

The pre-96 cars can be diagnosed even more easily than the OBDII cars, as they have a port under the hood that will flash out anything and everything that's wrong with it. It's fairly easy to use.

There is no filter in these transmissions. Well, ok, there is, but...it's inside the transmission and not a service item like most other cars. A flush is about all that needs to be done to these to make them happy.

All turbo models have 222 hp; the 98 models and up have 236. A "Turbo" and a "T5" are the EXACT same thing. In 1997, the GLT became a light-pressure turbo model with 190 HP as opposed to the standard 168.

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Jul 2010, 23:30

Ooh, and welcome to the site!

Post by **vjaneczko** » 13 Jul 2010, 07:51

robbo wrote:The cars cost more to repair than most I've owned so choosing wisely is important.

You're correct on that point, but I think they're worth it. Plus, we're talking about 14 year-old cars so parts aren't that easy to come by. If you're able to do the work yourself, you can save big bucks to maintain the vehicle.

It sounds like you've done your research. As you browse, keep in mind the common failures of the car (odometer gear, heater core, SAS, timing belt, flashing ECC lights, etc.). Unless you find a little old lady that drove it on Sundays, the odds are good that you'll face these problems. They're built to take a lot of punishment, so you'll see cars that have broken stuff but still run.

So good luck in your search and welcome to the forum! Oh, and when you do find the right one; take some pics, post 'em and show it off!

Post by **bigdaddylee82** » 13 Jul 2010, 09:55

In '95 the 850 had both the blinky light on board diagnostic OBD1 and a OBD2 port in the center console just like the '96+ cars, so if you have to have OBD2 then that'll expand your search by a year model. I have a '95 and have never used a OBD2 scan tool since all I've got to do is put a pin in a hole, push a button, and count the number of blinks on the LED

If you are savvy with a wrench, there's really nothing any more daunting about these cars than a small block Chevy in a pick up, it's jus a little more cramped. All of the common issues and their fixes are documented here, and don't let dealer prices on replacement parts scare you, there are plenty of good online retailers that will save you tons of $$$.

Like vjaneczko said, your talking about a 14 or 15 year old car, you're going to have to expect to fix/replace stuff. Heck my '95 is almost new now, I've replaced so many parts, but I'll not have to replace them again for another 15 years.

- Lee

robbo · Post by **robbo** » 13 Jul 2010, 22:12

Thanks for the quick responses and info. Good to know about the OBDI/OBDII issue, this will expand the search by quite a bit. All the cars I looked at were under 130K miles and one was the little-old-lady owned version that she bought new, unfortunately oil and water had mixed. Too bad, as it was pristine in and out w/ 117K on it. In my younger days I might have taken on a project, but not now.

I will keep shopping as I'm pretty stoked about the cars. The 850 wagon seems like the ideal car for my needs plus the turbo version is such a hoot to drive. When the right car is found I'll certainly post it up here.

robbo · Post by **robbo** » 18 Aug 2010, 20:06

So I finally found a decent 850 Turbo wagon. This was a car I test drove about six weeks ago, it just took the seller a while to come down on the price. It's a 1996 w/123K on it, mechanically sound and it came with a large envelope w/lots of receipts for past repairs. Many of them were for things folks mentioned to be on the look out for. (they totalled $8500!) This car runs and drives beautiful. Gotta love the sport mode!

Post by **vjaneczko** » 18 Aug 2010, 21:39

Sounds great! Low miles, too. Nice to have the receipts to reference with what's been done.

Enjoy!

Post by **matthew1** » 18 Aug 2010, 21:45

Congratulations. Post some pics when you can (but not before this).

Happy ownership of a used Volvo is entirely dependent on choosing the right sample (car). Sounds like you knew what you wanted and did your research. You did it right.