New Volvo owner.... finally Acquired a 1997 850 wagon

smokestack · Post by **smokestack** » 03 Feb 2016, 19:24

I have finally Acquired a 1997 850 wagon and I love it. Have always admired Volvos from afar and now I have one....don't be gentle please...give me the straight story....it really does seem nice everything works and it runs like a champ...I traded a 1999 Isuzu rodeo for it, did I do good? It's a nice rodeo....would like to hear all opinions thanks guys.....my other car is a 1989 Isuzu Trooper so I'm used to quirky vehicles lol also had a 1995 YJ wrangled thanks again

Post by **dosbricks** » 03 Feb 2016, 20:24

Welcome to the MVS forum. Did you get any service records with it?

smokestack · Post by **smokestack** » 03 Feb 2016, 21:12

I'm actually picking it up Friday,the guy who has it says it has records but i haven't seen all of them yet, thanks for the reply

Post by **rspi** » 03 Feb 2016, 21:34

Welcome to the site. Is the car turbo?

Post by **dosbricks** » 03 Feb 2016, 21:51

Okay, that's good. Records are a good sign that the vehicle was maintained on a regular basis. In the mean time, you might want to do some reading here:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/stage-0.html

There are three critical systems on these cars:
1. Timing belt and all its associated hardware. Failure = bent valves.
2. Cooling system in its entirety. If these cars lose coolant, they quickly overheat = warped head.
3. PCV system. If it gets plugged up, crankcase pressure can blow an engine seal. Worst case example--the rear main seal.

This is not to scare you--these cars can run 300-400k miles or more without overhaul if they are properly maintained.

Also these guidelines may help you get more response from the community:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=44724

I see rspi has linked one of his videos while I was typing. His library is also a gold mine of info.

NotUrMilkMan · Post by **NotUrMilkMan** » 03 Feb 2016, 23:43

Welcome to the site, from a fellow new owner! Here's a picture of my 1997 GLT Wagon! Mine has been neglected the last few years of its life, but at least it's a California car. I'm not used to so much lack of rust! I've already replaced the PCV system and just ordered the timing belt/water pump kit. Cheers to a long lasting companion!

Post by **benpineapple** » 04 Feb 2016, 12:51

Welcome to the life. Dropping the Isuzu was a fantastic idea. My Dad has an Isuzu Rodeo. He drives it because it doesn't get stuck, but otherwise doesn't like it. He finally drove my V70 over Christmas, and has been looking for one ever since!

dosbricks, solid 3-points to check out. All of them are doable. PCV is the cheapest and easiest (relatively easiest) item on the list. If you don't see anything about the timing belt in the service records, poke around under the hood on the PS side for a sticker indicating timing belt change. Different mechanics will stick 'em in different places.

smokestack · Post by **smokestack** » 04 Feb 2016, 17:07

Thanks for the responses everyone, from what I've heard today the timing belt has been replaced so that's a relief...it's not a turbo but does run strong, can't wait to get her home....the ole Rodeo was ok but I was never really happy with it, I'm sure I will pester you guys in the future with questions so be patient lol....oh yeah my 17 year-old daughter says I'm a nerd, oh well guilty as charged haha

smokestack · Post by **smokestack** » 06 Feb 2016, 15:22

Anyone have any ignition switch issues? When I start the engine I have to ease the key back just abit in order for the lights to work and to shift from park.....could be viewed as a anti theft device I guess lol

smokestack · Post by **smokestack** » 06 Feb 2016, 15:24

Oh yeah here's some pictures