Now a TWO 850 Family - purchased a 1996 850R Wagon

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 24 Apr 2013, 07:22

Since I'm at work, I can't access the photo sharing sites to upload pictures. Those will come later.

But here are the details. I've been searching for an 850R Wagon to replace my 1999 GMC Suburban. Just don't need something that big anymore, but still want more space than a sedan would have. And our 1996 850 Platinum has been great so far.

So I stumble upon a Craiglist ad in Charlotte, NC for a 1996 850R Wagon.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/3709840556.html

Pictures look nice, so I email the poster. Several emails and texts later, I decide I want the car. Now I have to convince the Mrs that it makes sense to buy a car that is 3 years older than what I have already. I would say I persuaded her, but I think she just gave in.

So I flew down to Charlotte on Sunday, met with Chris on Monday morning, bought the car and drove it home. It was awesome on the drive home. Made it back to PA in under 7 hours.

Details on what has already been done to the car within the last 18 months.
New tires, brakes, rebuilt calipers
Engine rebuilt within last 10,000 miles and transmission replaced
Adjustable IPD sway bars
Bilstein HD front and rear
New heater core and AC evaporator and blower motor
Cabin filter
Pioneer AVIC-X910BT stereo and Pyle speakers throughout
All carpeting and door panels removed to install sound deadening
Battery
Paint
Radiator
etc...

I will post many more pictures in the coming days.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Apr 2013, 08:26

That ad tempted me when he originally posted it on MVS but he was asking a lot more - great price on a BEAUTIFUL car. Nice!

Post by **abscate** » 24 Apr 2013, 09:06

Nice and you will benefit from the pairing in the driveway..

I would say I persuaded her, but I think she just gave in.

I think you violated forum post rules on redundancy with that statement....

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 24 Apr 2013, 10:22

Yeah, that sentence sounded better in my head. We had it out yesterday for a drive down/back to DC, and I think she actually likes the car. Even hinted that maybe it should be her vehicle to drive

And yes, he had originally been asking more for the car.

Post by **98T5** » 24 Apr 2013, 13:44

cool. look forward to pics

Post by **misha** » 24 Apr 2013, 19:37

Congratulations!Nice looking one!

Enjoy it!

Post by **wheelsup** » 24 Apr 2013, 21:17

Don't you just love Craigslist. " have taken fastidious care of this fine vehicle" except engine is rebuilt and transmission replaced. "New paint" and "garaged". Hmmm. Nevermind the tail lights that indicate the car has sat outside 15 years (ask me how I know). He bragged about the single stage paint. Tint is purple...

Anyway sorry for the rant. Looks like a sweet ride. I guess that is the going rate for the R nowadays, probably because people really don't want to sell them unless they get what they want and will hold on to them.

I'm in Raleigh and saw that post, there have been a handful around this area changing hands.

Post by **mercuric** » 25 Apr 2013, 01:11

Very nice!!

This thing appears to be begging for an exhaust kit and some ECU tuning

xjflexer · Post by **xjflexer** » 25 Apr 2013, 15:04

Beautiful car! Next time you come to the area, or more likely a bit closer to Richmond, let me know!!! Maybe we could get together. Your black 855R and my white 855R would make for some very cool pics. And if I could get at least ONE of the TWO yellow T5R wagons in the area to meet up as well, that would really be awesome!

DougM · Post by **DougM** » 03 May 2013, 13:14

Our latest Volvo.