Newb here, hi to everyone

[KenW]

Hi Matthew and everyone,

thanks for all your information and discussions regarding Volvo automobiles on this site. Two time owner of the famed 'Swedish Brick', sadly my first volvo, a 1972 144, is no longer with us. I now have a 1994 850 that has been a driveway queen for about a year. The car was not loved by it's previous owner and has been poorly maintained, leading to multiple operational and cosmetic issues. I have recently learned how to read the diagnostic codes and hope to have sufficient funds in the coming few months to start resolving the engine problems. Much has been gleaned from reading about my car on this forum. My shade-tree mechanic skills are not considerable, but there is a reputable independent shop not far away for those intimidating repairs.

KenW

[matthew1]

Welcome, Ken. You'll do fine with a wrench or taking it to a shop. We all begin knowing nothing about Volvos.

[fazool]

Hi Matthew and everyone,
now have a 1994 850 that has been a driveway queen for about a year. The car was not loved by it's previous owner and has been poorly maintained, leading to multiple operational and cosmetic issues.

I'm in the same boat.

My daughter bought a 1995 850 and it's been poorly maintained by the previous owner. She really loves the car but its got numerous cosmetic and mechanical problems - most of them coming from the poor care its received over the years. I try to keep it going and fix it up for her as much as I can but its getting to the point where the "juice isn't worth the squeeze".

The serviceability of this car is outstanding. Its a shadetree mechanics dream. But its neglect led to some really poor conditions that are hard to get past.

To bring this car back to stage-0 (including cosmetics) I would:

pull and re-glue the headliner
replace the torn cloth seat skins
re-glue the fabric door panel
re-glue a dash panel
replace a window switch
fix the non-working intermittent wiper
replace the timing belt
replace both O2 sensors
replace the exhaust
replace 1 caliper and 2 brake lines
un-dent a minor fender ding
fix peeling clear coat on the hood
PCV clean
replace wipers
plugs and air and fuel filter
shim fix on AC clutch


Looks like an overwhelming list, especially since the parts approach the blue book value of the whole car. But its a darn good car and runs well and she likes it.

So, welcome and hopefully you will find lots of help here as you start on your efforts.