Thinking of Buying a 93 850 Topic is solved

amkeller · Post by **amkeller** » 17 Jun 2003, 21:30

I am thinking of buying a 93 850 with 101k miles. I spoke with the owner and he says that the car runs great but has some electical problems (radio cuts out, passenger window malfuntions once in while and the check engine light will not turn off, but his machinic says it does not need any service). He has all the records for the past 3-4yrs since he has owned it and he has put $2500 into the A/C and fuel pump in that time. I have never owned a Volvo, but this seems like a good deal. Any thoughts? or big worries?

Thanks
Ak

FYI: it is an Arizona car (no rust) and he is asking $3900. I'm a recent college grad and I'm looking to get 2-3yrs out of it:?:

drevil540 · Post by **drevil540** » 22 Jun 2003, 22:33

If you are looking to buy a 850 I have one for sale. It is a 93 850 GLT Beige in color 167K, Excellent condition, everything works all maint records, must see,$4800 bought my wife a 95' 850 Wagon. If interested please email, also an Arizona car I live in Surprise.

AutoX47 · Post by **AutoX47** » 23 Jun 2003, 12:30

the 1993 8850 was the first year/mdel that was frontwheel drie for volvos. a lot of aftermarket aparts do not fit the 93. i also believe some 93's came with a 4 lug setup -- eww

but that first price is a good price

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 23 Jun 2003, 22:27

The 93 was the first year, as a general rule the first production year of any car does tend to have a few more problems. Volvo is very good at improving there cars year to year so later years are known to have less problems. The availability of afermarket performance parts should have no bearing on your decision unless your plans take you towards a higher performance car, but if your plans are to leave it stock then I see no major concerns.

bill740 · Post by **bill740** » 23 Jun 2003, 22:48

first us model 93 (92 first model europe) as stated many of the parts are 93 only such as the four lug hubs wheels only came as a non turbo and sedan. the car would have to be extreamly clean as the 93 was not a good year in my opinion.

William · Post by **William** » 24 Jun 2003, 00:26

My first venture into Volvos was a 93 850 GLT. I still have it and also purchsed a 95 Turbo and a 96 Turbo. The 93 does have a few parts that are unique to it but I haven't had any difficulty finding parts. I do however suggest that if you are looking to buy an 850 get a Turbo. The differance in performance is worth the few extra bucks. One point to consider is the 95 has both the diagnostic unit under the hood as well as the obdII port under the coin tray in the console. The 96 only has the obdII in the console. I do all the work on the cars and have invested in the Volvo Factory Shop manuals which are the best I have ever seen for any make car. Volvos, as far as I'm concerned, are the best thought out cars for maintainance I have run across. That's why I bought one for everyone in the family that drives, except me and I'm holding out for an 850R.

ian · Post by **ian** » 24 Jun 2003, 04:19

From someone who worked in sales, you shouldn't trust what a person selling a car tells you. I know in the uk you have no comeback whatsoever. You're probably used to being around honest people all day, and it can be hard to believe what lies a person will tell you to sell a car. I've met some people who'd tell you anything you want to hear to get rid of a car.

If you come to sell the car will you tell the person you're selling it to about the electrical problems? If you do you won't be selling on.

It doesn't matter what money the person spent on the car. You're buying a car, not making buddies with the guy who's selling it. At the end of the day you'll end up with the car and will never see him again.

Decide exactly what you want out of a car, get it checked independently and go for it. If you can't find exactly what you want in the market, maybe look for something close. Personally I wouldn't pay money for a car with electrical problems. One thing I do know, someone I know got a lowest quote for

coco · Post by **coco** » 24 Jun 2003, 07:59

first, let me say, i love my car. i bought a 93 volvo in 1999. it had 63,000 miles on it. unfortunately, my volvo mechanic told me after the fact that the 93 had some transmission problems. we were fine until october of 2002 when the transmission went out. kaput. we decided to go ahead and put a new one in -- 2500.00. since then, it's been fine but a lot of little things are happening, things i'm trying to ignore because i still feel a little "wounded" at paying out so much. good luck!

volvosonly · Post by **volvosonly** » 24 Jun 2003, 10:49

I currently own a 1993 850 GLT, I've owned since 1996, I have had so many repairs on that car, I've replaced motor/engine mounts no less than 3 times. The transmission, radio, seats, power window motors, gas tank LOCK, sunroof motor, headliner, cv boots and joints, gaskets, pumps, not to mention the radiator. I've talked to many people and I still have some electrical problem with my passenger parking light. I put in a new bulb and it still doesn't work. I honestly would buy another Volvo, but I will never again buy a first year car. I've had many problems with this car. All little things that just seem to add up to a $1,000 here $500 there. Not to mention my odometer just died too at 124,000 miles. Hum.........no one else seems to have the problems I do with their later year 850. I'd recommend looking for a newer year 850. Trust me, you don't want all those "little issues" costing you more than the car is worth.