Im one step to enter the VOLVO world. Some questions...

rsrocha · Post by **rsrocha** » 21 Mar 2006, 15:13

I need some advice from all of you VOLVO owners.

Im from Portugal and im thinking about buying an 850. Searched a volvo dealer im my area and found an 850 turbo for sale.

The car is a 1996 model. It indicates 216000km on the clock and it has some minor scratches (bumpers). The salesman showed me the car and we took it for a spin. I was impressed and without any words to describe the test drive! This car really is a devil on wheels! Everything felt good. No noises, no clunks, nothing. The service record is all up to date and all made at the volvo dealer.
Then we talked about prices. The salesman told me he granted me 1 year volvo warranty and he fixed anything the car may need. In other words the car will be sold like new.

My fear is the mileage. I intend to keep this car for minimum 3 years. Isnt 216000 km too much (or near)? I make about 20000km per year only on weekend trips.

Whats your opinion?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Mar 2006, 15:32

A well maintained 850 with further routine maintenance should last twice as long as the current kilometers or more. There is a guy over on the brickboard that has 650,000kilo's on his 850. I'd say go for it if the price is in your range. Get everything in writing from this guy you're buying it from. Make sure the A/C works and if it doesn't, then make sure he'll do the evaporator exchange. This in itself is over $1000 in the U.S. because the entire dash has to come out to do it. Good luck and welcome aboard!

rsrocha · Post by **rsrocha** » 21 Mar 2006, 15:50

Well, i will pay 5000 euros (much the same in dollars). The price includes 1 year approved VOLVO warranty (engine, gearbox and driveshaft), the VOLVO used car approved signature (everything the car needs replacing they will replace and the car will be sold as new), and the 210000km service done.

One thing is that the leather on the drivers seat (on the side) is way way used. Im going to talk with the salesman if it is possible to replace the seat (even with a used one but in better shape). Do you think this is possible?
Other thong is the A/C. I heard this is a very common problem.

Anyway, desspite the mileage the car is like new, no noises, no nothing.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Mar 2006, 16:07

Replacement of the seat is indeed possible. There were several variants, so make sure that everything fits. When I say variant, I mean connector differences and if or not heated seats, SIPS, etc. I would stay with the same year 850 if at all possible. Good luck! Sounds like a very nice deal for the money if you get the warranty.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 21 Mar 2006, 16:08

P.S. Breadboy over on the brickboard logged 682,000km on his 850 this morning.
http://www.brickboard.com/AWD/index.htm?id=1060803

P.P.S. Have them do the Timing Belt and the PCV hoses and oil trap (separator) at the 210,000km mark too if they haven't already been done early. The later will help your rear main seal from springing a leak and help your engine and turbo breath better!

Wolverine Fan · Post by **Wolverine Fan** » 22 Mar 2006, 10:00

The only caution I would have is the stalling issue common to 850's. See the stalling thread on this forum for more information.