my 1997 850 wagon

[H-Bomb101]

i might buy a used 1997 850 wagon with 147k miles. what can i expect for repairs? If brakes, do they cost more than domestic cars? Will I be cramped for room in front with 2 car seats in the back seat?

[kcodyjr]

I cannot think of a more appropriate vehicle for having two car seats in the back. It should be fine.

As for repairs, that's tough to just guess. Did anything feel hinky when you test-drove it? It should have just gotten its 2nd timing belt along with a water pump, make sure that's been done or talk them down.

www.fcpgroton.com is my favorite place for parts, not sure what you're used to spending on brakes, but they have kits.

[Ozark Lee]

I moved this topic to the 850 Forum so that you will get more feedback.

The parts are more expensive than a domestic car and they are much pickier about the parts. Very few quality parts will be available at the AutoZone / Advance type chain stores. Brakes are easy to replace but the parts are important, the chain auto parts store pads all squeal like a banshee.

...Lee

[ButeoPatch]

Hey!
I JUST purchased a 1997 850 T5 with 147,000 miles actually. Everything seemed fine, even during the test drives, until I bought it and drove it all day. Thats when the fun started... stalling, hesitation, squealing rear brakes, smoke after hard acceleration.
I swear none of this was apparent initially and with the test drives... but this is my own fault for not digging deeper.
The rear brakes were never shimmed the last time they were replaced (I think anyway) so they are making a little noise and feel weird on hard braking. The air meter or MAF sensor is bad causing the stuttering. The PCT was completely clogged causing the smoke.
All fairly easy stuff and I am still happy I bought it, just wish I would of noticed these things before hand.
All I am saying is do a THOROUGH overview of the car... this one even had all the service records from the dealer up till last year, new timing belt, new tires, new brakes. However, the guy who owned it last did not keep up with it, and was apparently not too keen with these cars. (Either am I but I am learning).

Blast to drive though, and very safe. I really do not mind putting the wrench time in because I fell in love on the first few drives (when it wasn't cutting out at lights).

Good luck with the buy!

[pkc303]

I'd say read the forum here, and you'll get a feel for what will go bad. I think there is a write up on all to expect as our cars age. I'd say most all of them need the water pump, timing belt, and pulleys, replaced pretty soon after you get it. You can plan on doing the Oil Trap (searchable) soon. You can plan on doing the fuel pump at some time. We replaced just the pump, not the whole assembly. Perhaps the spring seats will need replacement. It really depends on the shape of your car, and the previous owners care.

I think the Volvo costs about the same as my Ford to maintain, but a whole lot more fun to drive.

I'd prefer my family in an 850 over any other car, except perhaps a Mercedes.

[kcodyjr]

pkc303: Had an 87 420SEL. Built like an anvil - three firewalls! - and its loud pedal felt kind of like my GLT... except way grunt above 85. Just sitting in the thing, you looked up expecting to see a 10 foot main gun mounted to the sunroof. Too bad it started having metallurgical issues in the frame and then stripped out its rear end... I'm not convinced any Mercedes since is its equal.

BuetoPatch: They say, when the rider is ready, the dragon appears. I sense this has happened. Looks good, too.

Original Poster: Bottom line, scour these forums for how to detect the most serious issues, such as head gaskets, bad transmissions, and major driveline issues. Also, look carefully for signs of collision repair - if it's been hit and rebuilt, think twice. Other than that, if you enjoyed the test drive, and are willing to get friendly with your wrench, you won't regret owning it.