1996 850 Should I buy?

[joe_pinehill]

3, if its a Volvo Dealer and you are ok with a wagon. Price maybe on the high side, but my experience, New Car dealers in my area tend not to sell problem cars, they tend to send those to auction. If he holds the price, try and negotiate other items into it, like a timing belt and water pump service, tires, ignition wires, any items in the suspension like shocks.

[marklar]

I figured I'd post some pics to show the cars I'm looking at, I'm not showing #4 because I'm not going to get that one, right now these three are pretty much tied.

#1

image.jpg (342.11 KiB) Viewed 846 times

#2

image.jpg (123.43 KiB) Viewed 846 times

#3

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[xHeart]

I wouldn't pass on the Platinum. If it has bad leather that probably means it has the tan leather, your chances of finding any volvo from that era with good tan leather is slim to none.
...

Bad leather suggests odometer may need actual mileage check.

[erikv11]

I wouldn't pass on the Platinum. If it has bad leather that probably means it has the tan leather, your chances of finding any volvo from that era with good tan leather is slim to none. Just get a set of seats from the JY.

Timing belt is easy enough, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

Bad leather suggests odometer may need actual mileage check.

Both are good points. I was worried about the lack of history and the fact that it came from auction. Could mean anything. I've never owned one but have always thought Platinums are nice cars, no doubt.

[rspi]

The fact that the timing belt was changed at 60k may indicate that there was another issue, like age (beyond 7 years) or leaking water pump, etc. I once changed a belt at 58,000 then HAD to change it again at 86,000. Change the belt when you suspect you need to or suffer the consequences.

Buying one of these cars with ZERO maintenance history is a good way to tie yourself into a lot of maintenance work right out the block. You stated that you had no tools or a handy shop... no one here will recommend that you get strapped into a possible bad situation to start. I'm prior military and do under stand the base facilities you are referring to. You can spend over $1,000 in parts alone trying to get one of these cars in stage 0. If you have some kind of history, you may have a better chance of having a car that doesn't need immediate work.

- Ignition tune up
- PCV
- Timing belt
- Suspension parts
- etc..
can all add up real quick. That is why I suggest the lower price for the Platinum. I would like to get one for my wife but I would want one with a clean AutoCheck if at all possible.

[phils94850]

Personally... id go for the R or Platinum.. either one will go up in value no matter what ( partial to the R )

[ChiNorm]

What is your tolerance for risk?

The car with the 19t is likely well cared for but driven hard and there is the miles. It should be a ton of fun right out of the box though. Expect to continue to maintain it to a high level.

The wagon is the same choice, low miles and no tweaks. But, most of the rubber parts are likely due for replacement. Bushings, motor mounts, vaccum and radiator hoses and brake lines. Read up on VolvoSpeed about restoring to stage 1. Was the tranny flushed on the wagon, what color is the fluid?

The miles are low enough to justify the purchase, I owned one for 16 years.

I wouldn't even get in the car to go look at the other two. There is a reason cars go to auctions.

Good luck.

[marklar]

I've done alot of research into restoring to stage 0 and common modifications for these cars. Before I found #2 those mods were exactly what I was thinking of doing, but I also want a very clean car, and I feel like it would be easier to mod a perfect condition car then get a modded one to perfect condition. I'm between 2 and 3 now, I'm leaning towards 3 and I'm going to look at it next weekend. If 2's owner ever gets back to me with pics of interior and engine bay I might check that one out as well. If I got 3 I feel like I could restore to stage 0 with out any rush, then do suspension and sway bars. Then after that a couple engine mods and a tune. I do have access to a garage and tools that's down the road, it's my friends garage and I've done alot of work on his vw's with him. But his future is unsure right now and we don't know if he is staying in town or not. I know saying I have no garage or tools makes people immediately tell me to stay away, but I'm trying to get started and buy tools and maybe rent out my friends garage if he does move. Everyone has a point where they started at.

[joe_pinehill]

After seeing the pics, I would take the wagon. A car with 100k, even for 4K isnt bad, and it looks clean cosmetically. Your not going to loose money on it.

Its fun spending someone else's money!

[joe_pinehill]

After seeing the pics, I would take the wagon. A car with 100k, even for 4K isnt bad, and it looks clean cosmetically. Your not going to loose money on it.

Its fun spending someone else's money!