Thinking of adopting a Volvo 850 project -- need advice,

[SlowEp3]

Good luck working on your first Volvo!

Still deciding what to do... but leaning towards yes at this point. In my city, its hard to find ANY project car that runs for less than $2000, letalone a desirable (to me) 850 Turbo.

About that 9-5... stay away... But perhaps you shouldn't listen to me, I have a scrapper coming tomorrow to haul away my gorgeous 9-3 Turbo for $50 bucks...

Poor SAAB

If your mechanic ask 300$ for tie rod replacement and alignment...body shop will destroy you for a proper rocker panel replacement.

Like I said, these are Canadian prices. Standard shop rate at independant mechanics around here start at $100/hr, gas is just under a dollar, and red onions are $2.89/lb.

I took some pics of the outside of the car on my way home from work today. I'll snap some of the rocker panel when I take it for a spin on Friday.

Thanks everybody for the input! Pics attached.

I should also mention that it is missing a grill, which is fine as it would probably be the first cosmetic item I replace.

[theWIFES_S70]

She's in good shape. The grill is no biggie. You might even be able to get someone to on here to mail you one for the shipping! I think she looks great!!

[polskamafia mjl]

Did you watch the pre-purchase video?

Are you talking about Robert's youtube channel?

rspi is Robert.

I agree with Misha, snow belt or not you shouldn't have rust. Sweden gets a fair bit of winter weather as well. From your pictures though it looks nice on the outside with the exception of that missing grill.

If you're really looking for a project then I say go for it. You're going to have a ton of work but its a very enjoyable process.

[Marty27]

I would avoid it just because of rusted out rocker panel.
Like i said....these cars just don't rust.They are born in Sweden were snow and salt are present all the time and they just don't rust.
It MUST had some kind of damage on that part which wasn't repaired properly.

If your mechanic ask 300$ for tie rod replacement and alignment...body shop will destroy you for a proper rocker panel replacement.

I've found no rust on my 850.

[Marty27]

I had a Volvo 850 adopt me. And I love it. Once you get a feel for what you're looking at, they're very easy to work on.

[SlowEp3]

rspi is Robert.

Oops!

I agree with Misha, snow belt or not you shouldn't have rust. Sweden gets a fair bit of winter weather as well. From your pictures though it looks nice on the outside with the exception of that missing grill.

Now I'm second guessing what's going on with the rocker...

[MadeInJapan]

There have been 850's that my friends wanted me to go look at because they were a "good deal" but after looking at them and figuring out what it would cost to get them to stage-0, I told them to pass on them. I wouldn't have taken some of those cars if they were free!!

[MadeInJapan]

Bad tires, bad brakes (rotors too) bad control arms, bad shocks/struts, bad end links, bad PCV, leaking rear main seal...misfire and check engine lights...these all add up. Just saying. Make sure the basics are sound or your project car will no longer be a fun project and it will drain your wallet.

[Marty27]

There have been 850's that my friends wanted me to go look at because they were a "good deal" but after looking at them and figuring out what it would cost to get them to stage-0, I told them to pass on them. I wouldn't have taken some of those cars if they were free!!

Mine was free! Had to replace the engine and radiator.

[scot850]

First think is to test drive the car to see if you like it and it runs well.

Second thing is to get a couple of quotes for repairing the rocker panel. That will be the deal breaker if there is one. Body work is expensive and depending on how bad it is, can mount up in cost quickly.

I've just been quoted $1900 CDN to replace to damaged door skins and paint them on a 09 Saturn Aura! I know the repair shop does excellent work but that is high! You might find out then that it is cheaper to look out for another car.

An example is a 97 850 GLT wagon with 320kkm at an auction in Calgary are looking for $1200 as is a private seller of a 94 850 Turbo wagon in Edmonton for a similar mileage car. Both have good body work though.

The brake job for the parking brake at $200 if it includes parts is worth it. It is likely the cables of failed parking brake shoes which is a couple of hours work for the shoes but a lot more for the cables.

Neil.