850 vs 700 series

DeRail · Post by **DeRail** » 10 May 2006, 16:22

Hello,
I have been searching for a 700 series Volvo as I have always liked them, and I've heard that the 700 series volvos were very good. Recently, I found that a local dealership has an 850 GLT. I was just wondering how the 850 compares to 700 volvos in terms of life of parts, and just overall opinion.
Any feedback it greatly appreciated

Thanks

vibbase · Post by **vibbase** » 11 May 2006, 17:10

I have one of each. A '90 740GL Wagon and a '96 850GLT Wagon.
The 740 is very reliable and parts are cheap. It's also very easy to work on. I would jump in the 740 right now and drive it across the country no questions and it has 314000km on it.
The 850 (a recent adventure) is extremely fun to drive (5spd.) It's loaded with all kinds of extras including a black leather interior. It's dark green outside and looks amazing. However, Uhm I fear that I have taken on a car that I will be very intimate with in short order since I do not care to pay for every little service that I can do myself.
The ECC is the most frustrating issue so far. It works fine, then it doesn't. If you turn the lights on the blower goes full blast. If you turn the panel lights off, the light start flashing on the ECC control panel etc. I have done several things so far with no luck. The next step is a trip to a guy with a VST (code reader) I believe other people have had issues with this as well.

Parts are not as cheap for the 850 but not really pricey if you look around. It's not as easy to work on and there are alot more sensors and interconnected systems to deal with. My greatest fear is that I'll be working under the dash and I'll accidently trip one of the SIPS bags and get pitched through the windshield.

Anyway, 740 good reliable cheap and easy to work on, 850 nicer to drive better looking but you need a little more cash to keep it going.