New to Forum- Can't Decide...

paulklee · Post by **paulklee** » 11 Dec 2010, 10:23

I having been looking for over a year for either a 95-96 850 or a '94 940
I read about problems with the 850 that makes me reluctant, but prices on well maintained 940's seem too high
I used to have a sweet 88 740 turbo wagon that got totaled twice and saved our lives when we got rear ended by a drunk (and asleep) driver- have wanted a new/used volvo ever since
Should I avoid certain years on the 850 ? Is the 940 worth stretching for? Is the V70 worth considering? Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Dec 2010, 10:49

Welcome to the forum.

Don't let all of the traffic and problems on the 850 board scare you. Volvo sold many times more 850s than any other car. By virtue of the fact that there are so many of them and that they tend to run forever that particular board has the highest traffic.

The 850 and the V70 are pretty much the same through the '98 model year (The S and V series has upgraded interiors but they have their warts with the interior as well). From '99 and on you get into the electronic throttle modules and the other can bus stuff where you need software downloads to replace parts. I can't get excited about a car that I need to take to the dealer to get my new parts to work so I have set a personal cutoff at the '98 model year.

I can't really comment on the 940, I've never had one. From what I hear they ride like a dream but they are kinda doggy when it comes to power. The 960s have more power but the engine is a bit more problematic by reputation.

...Lee

Post by **billofdurham** » 12 Dec 2010, 15:29

Like Lee I have set a cut-off point at the '98 model year. My 850 has given me very little trouble and certainly nothing that I would class as a major headache. However, I am still looking for a 940 or a 960 and the 850 will go.

I have had both 940 and 960 and was very pleased with them. The 940 was the 2.3 turbo and really did move along when I needed it to. I have driven the non-turbo and, as Lee said, the power was definitely lacking. The 960 was a '91 model and had some problems with the rear suspension when I bought it but that was remedied by the seller. On some of the earlier models there was a problem with porous engine blocks which could only be resolved by replacing the engine or, in Volvo's cost cutting way, the block. Most of the cars involved would either be repaired or scrapped by now. The power of the straight 6 engine coupled to a very good gearbox made the car a delight to drive in any traffic conditions. At the time I had mine I was regularly towing a large caravan and the mpg would drop by just over 1 when I had the 'van on the hook. This was very acceptable as I was used to losing anything up to 10mpg with my previous car - not a Volvo.

I prefer rear wheel drive but am happy with the 850 until I find the right 940 or 960 to replace it.
Bill.

paulklee · Post by **paulklee** » 12 Dec 2010, 23:53

Thanks for info!- it is real helpful -
I think I can broaden my search to include 850's and v70 based on what I am reading , so thanks!
Is there a preference for turbos? I am a bit concerned that although I want the power ,I wonder about the turbo lasting on the 140k - 200 k cars I have been looking at.
Mike
88 740GLE Turbo, Silver
89 240 DL Black

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Dec 2010, 14:15

The turbocharger is extremely reliable and there is very little support stuff (Turbo control valve, additional oil lines, etc) that goes bad.

If you are looking at the V70 try to avoid the AWD versions though unless you really need it. The early implementations of the AWD are problematic and very expensive to repair.

...Lee

paulklee · Post by **paulklee** » 19 Jan 2011, 22:49

I am trying to decide between 2 very similarly priced wagons:
one is a 2000 V70 and the other is a 1997 850 GLT turbo
I don't these models at all and am hoping someone out there has some ideas on which would , in general , be a better bet.

I have been warned about AWD so I have passed up a few XC's.

Please, any input would be great

Thanks

Mike

Post by **jblackburn** » 19 Jan 2011, 22:53

Drive 'em both. Decide which is in better shape, has been better taken care of, and buy it. If properly taken care of, both are good cars.

The GLT has 190 hp as opposed to the 168 in the 2000. That engine is quite a bit of fun around town

The 2000 has a somewhat problematic 5-speed transmission if it hasn't been taken care of, and the electronic throttle module - a common problem on the 1999-2000 models. Look for a yellow sticker on the throttle body - if that's there, look next to the transmission fluid color & level.

paulklee · Post by **paulklee** » 20 Jan 2011, 20:17

Thanks for the great info! The seller let me take the V70 overnight so I am going to get it checked out tomorrow-it will cost @

100 but I hope its worth it- I did notice some a few things as I drove it for a few hours:

check engine light went on and off

steering "groaned" when pulling away from stop lights

car vibrated somewhat when idling- vibration stopped when put into neutral or started moving

I was reading about some electronic throttle issue with this model /year- is that an expensive repair?

Thanks!

Mike

Post by **precopster** » 21 Jan 2011, 06:08

Personally I'd re-buy a 960 or S90/V90 if the right one came along. The post 95s with upgraded front suspension and IRS on sedans & on the wagons were the pick of the crop. Being a Volvo five with an extra cylinder gives you that engine's reliability and aftermarket parts backup from the NA (normally aspirated) models. A great Aisin Warner four speed auto (AW 30-43) designed for Toyota/Lexus, rear wheel drive and some aftermarket wheels/tyres complete the picture. Small turning circle, too at around 9.8m (32.1 feet)

I have two 850s and though I enjoy the light steering, and good throttle response, I can't get over the lumpy five cylinder idle.
Both have good engine mounts and in a good state of tune but the "tinny" exhaust sound just doesn't compare with the silky smooth straight six with its throbbing deep & quiet exhaust sound.

Just my .02

Post by **jblackburn** » 21 Jan 2011, 09:08

Light steering? On an 850? Surely you must be kidding! They feel like driving tanks...and the turning circle's about on par with one too.

The 99+ ones are much lighter.

I will agree that 960's are nice to drive on an open highway, but I like the way the 850/-70 series handles much better. They feel a bit less like driving a house. And the 20V 5-cylinder (are yours 10V?) growl just sounds awesome, especially in non-turbo form. I grew up on loud, buzzy 4-cylinder cars, but I'll agree don't like the idle/low-RPM vibration either. Polyurethane mounts make it unbearable.

The ETM can be replaced for somewhere around $500 with an XmodeX unit that uses parts that (shouldn't) fail again. If the CEL was flashing, that's not a good sign, but it could just be a bad coil pack. The vibration in gear is likely an engine mount - probably the front passenger side one.

The steering may be a cause for concern. Unless the fluid is low, a new rack is quite a money-intensive repair.