"new" 1996 volvo glt 850

msdade · Post by **msdade** » 24 May 2013, 14:34

Hey everyone!

I am about to buy a 1996 volvo 850 glt that appears after checking it out to have nothing wrong with it. I know that these cars are tanks and a bit hard to break but is there anything that I should look at before buying it? Thanks for the help in advance.

Post by **JDS60R** » 24 May 2013, 14:43

Great car.

Check compression, trans fluid,engine sludge, play in turbo shaft and quality of ride including knocks,bangs and rattles as well as seeing how smooth she shifts. Also look at oil cooler lines and any other signs of leaking.

Marcobrick · Post by **Marcobrick** » 24 May 2013, 14:53

Also electrics especially climate control if fitted, broken or missing trim, signs of owner abuse or indifference..

Post by **jblackburn** » 24 May 2013, 16:17

Check out the PCV system...pull out the dipstick on an idling warm engine and check for smoke.

Grab the top of each strut tower and twist...listen for knocking or bangs driving down the road. Spring seats are a common failure.

Drive in a tight circle at low speed and listen for strange noises - axles are also something that need to be replaced often.

Feel for a rough idle in Drive...indicates engine mounts that will need to be replaced.

None of these would be real deal-breakers, but may drive down your offering price if you want to do the work yourself.

The only real thing that would get me to walk away from a car would be one that does not look to be well-taken care of mechanically OR a bad A/C evaporator. I love my A/C and it's a PITA to change the evaportator.

Post by **rspi** » 25 May 2013, 07:42

Google "Volvo 850 buyers guide". Then read, read, read.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 May 2013, 09:40

Lots of good advice here. I'm the same way about AC: it must be working and not leaking, else there would be a huge reduction in what I would pay for the car.

There is no oil cooler or turbo to check on a 96 GLT, JDS60R is thinking of a 97 or later model.

msdade · Post by **msdade** » 29 May 2013, 11:17

Thank you so much for the advice. I am having to downgrade Volvo's myself i had a 2001 s60t and my roommate got drunk and totaled it, I really like the 850 (far more than the 960) and there is one that i am going to go buy tomorrow. This kinda of information is great for people to have! especially for someone that doesn't have the kinda of car expertise that others have.