Ok here goes. I have a long list of choices and am down to either and older Mercedes wagon or a Volvo wagon. At this point I am afraid of dealing with the Cross Country wagons because this wagon will be on the road with daughter traveling with me. After reading site and site of things about them I will pass. I have found a pretty clean 850 wagon. The best part ...it is standard. No turbo and that is fine and low miles. I am thinking about making the run to get it. It has had its timing belt changed early on I believe to make sure if traveled safe. Its not due for another change for 25k miles. Did have new upper motor mounts and the normal stuff in it. Miles are sitting at less than 80k and for a 97 wagon I thought that was pretty low! Its been running Mobile one synthetic. I have a few questions about these models.
After doing a lot of reading this model seems to have the least problems?
Luggage racks above? Are those easy to intall ? I like the way they look! I might need them.
Non heated seats and no sunroof and thats is ok also but without the electric seats can you adjust the height of the drivers seat?
What other external things can be done to this wagon to make it a little better looking . My husband likes the MB better and I think its ugly and want the wagon so help me out here.
Oh yeah can I get a cool fat cowboy looking grillguard and nerf bars for this car? hehehe
Considering a Volvo or another Mercedes
This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database »
Volvo Wagon or Mercedes Wagon?
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chuckcintron
- Posts: 478
- Joined: 11 May 2007
- Year and Model:
- Location: Upstate New York
- Been thanked: 1 time
Less than 80K is great for that car, as long as you can validate the mileage as being honest (I like using CARFAX, to see if the progression of events/mileage makes sense -- as well as other issues it may uncover).
I can't comment too much on the add-ons or accessories, there are sure lot's of nifty things to choose from. I'm assuming the car has the roof side rails; if so then the luggage racks are very easy to install. I had them on my 1997 wagon but took them off because I couldn't stand the wind noise.
Before buying any Volvo 850 I would try very hard to assure myself that the following items are in good shape:
1. The air conditioner. You need a good technician that can inject dye and do a very careful black light test (especially the evaporator, which is very hard to black light). Don't trust it if it's working okay today -- the evaporator leak can be "fixed" for about one to two weeks by adding a can of R134a to the system -- it's a slow leak when it does leak. A proper dye test is the only way to do it right.
2. The secondary air injection pump. When it fails you'll get a check engine light -- but you should have someone listen to it and make sure it sounds okay.
3. Vacuum check / PCV system. Make sure you are not venting positive through the dipstick or the oil cap.
4. Engine mounts should all be inspected. You mentioned the top mount, good. The bottom mounts are also not too robust, and are a bit of a pain to repair.
If you get beyond this stuff, a normal check over everything (suspension, steering, brakes, driveability, controls & electronics, etc. -- the normal 100 point check when buying a used car).
Good luck!
-Chuck
I can't comment too much on the add-ons or accessories, there are sure lot's of nifty things to choose from. I'm assuming the car has the roof side rails; if so then the luggage racks are very easy to install. I had them on my 1997 wagon but took them off because I couldn't stand the wind noise.
Before buying any Volvo 850 I would try very hard to assure myself that the following items are in good shape:
1. The air conditioner. You need a good technician that can inject dye and do a very careful black light test (especially the evaporator, which is very hard to black light). Don't trust it if it's working okay today -- the evaporator leak can be "fixed" for about one to two weeks by adding a can of R134a to the system -- it's a slow leak when it does leak. A proper dye test is the only way to do it right.
2. The secondary air injection pump. When it fails you'll get a check engine light -- but you should have someone listen to it and make sure it sounds okay.
3. Vacuum check / PCV system. Make sure you are not venting positive through the dipstick or the oil cap.
4. Engine mounts should all be inspected. You mentioned the top mount, good. The bottom mounts are also not too robust, and are a bit of a pain to repair.
If you get beyond this stuff, a normal check over everything (suspension, steering, brakes, driveability, controls & electronics, etc. -- the normal 100 point check when buying a used car).
Good luck!
-Chuck
1997 855GLT
Wow thanks . I am looking for the email right now that told me most of the info on this car. Ok here it is. There is more but I am assuming he is taking it in for most of the work.
By the way, brakes pads are half-way through, rotors were replaced two years ago.
New spark plugs, new distributor cap & rotor, new air filter, new cabin air
filter this year, and new upper engine mount bushing (a common failure), new front Oxygen sensor last year. I have 3 new oil filters and a new air filter in my garage.
I am wondering about taking my chances because its a 4 hour drive to pic this car up and its pretty darn clean and I can take it to a shop up here to be checked out. Oh and the other racks are not on this car. Its naked up there!
By the way, brakes pads are half-way through, rotors were replaced two years ago.
New spark plugs, new distributor cap & rotor, new air filter, new cabin air
filter this year, and new upper engine mount bushing (a common failure), new front Oxygen sensor last year. I have 3 new oil filters and a new air filter in my garage.
I am wondering about taking my chances because its a 4 hour drive to pic this car up and its pretty darn clean and I can take it to a shop up here to be checked out. Oh and the other racks are not on this car. Its naked up there!
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chuckcintron
- Posts: 478
- Joined: 11 May 2007
- Year and Model:
- Location: Upstate New York
- Been thanked: 1 time
Hmmmm...I'm not sure what it takes to get the side rails installed on the roof, so you can use the Volvo roof racks. Maybe a question to ask your local Volvo dealer (start with the parts department).
"new cabin air filter this year" is a telling statement to me -- it may mean it was replaced this year, or it may mean that it's new to the car this year. It also means that whoever is selling the car understands the importance of that filter -- it is what keeps the climate system from sucking in crap from the outside and prematurely rotting the a/c evaporator. It was not an original part on that car, and was only added after realizing that there is almost a 100% failure rate on the evaporator, without it.
I would want to make sure the A/C is not leaking. The evaporator repair is huge, and if done by the dealer it's around $1500
The other stuff I mentioned is easy to check out, and should also be verified.
-Chuck
"new cabin air filter this year" is a telling statement to me -- it may mean it was replaced this year, or it may mean that it's new to the car this year. It also means that whoever is selling the car understands the importance of that filter -- it is what keeps the climate system from sucking in crap from the outside and prematurely rotting the a/c evaporator. It was not an original part on that car, and was only added after realizing that there is almost a 100% failure rate on the evaporator, without it.
I would want to make sure the A/C is not leaking. The evaporator repair is huge, and if done by the dealer it's around $1500
The other stuff I mentioned is easy to check out, and should also be verified.
-Chuck
1997 855GLT
If I bring this car home this weekend I will get more pictures of it. It does not have the third seat and that is fine by me, It has a baby seat thing in it but it looks like it will make a nice arm rest. The thought of more kids scares me!
I do believe this owner knows a bit about Volvo's . Also after speaking with more than a dozen others that had them for sale this owner and one other seems to really know them. I cannot touch that car in this area for less that 7k and they are not even as clean as this one. I did find a V70 locally for 7K but I could just do without it and any problems it might have. I looked at an 94 locally to do a test drive and check it out and WOW I was pretty sick at how torn up that car was on the inside and it makes you wonder what else they have done to it! Honestly after reading all this stuff regarding some of these V70 wagons I honestly think I will stick with the 850 to stay on the safe side. I spoke with a good Import Mechanic out here to also get a list of things to look for and he got a good laugh from me I think. Understand in Tulsa and on these freeways are just horrible. Its a nasty bumby trip all over this city and most of these cars have suspension issues so I am heading south to buy something!! He did not mention the a-c issues but mentioned the ABC stuff. So I am still hanging around waiting for someone to tell me to get down to Dallas and pic this wagon up! We will probally go later this week.
So what about this grill guard I saw a picture of? Can you still get them and this skid plate ? Are they needed ? I think they might look a little cool? I noticed a lot of posts regarding tire sizes and getting bigger wheels on them? Will this cause suspension problems. Understand I drive a 1 ton power stroke or a Mercedes wagon most of the time so this is a strange step for me to take.
I do believe this owner knows a bit about Volvo's . Also after speaking with more than a dozen others that had them for sale this owner and one other seems to really know them. I cannot touch that car in this area for less that 7k and they are not even as clean as this one. I did find a V70 locally for 7K but I could just do without it and any problems it might have. I looked at an 94 locally to do a test drive and check it out and WOW I was pretty sick at how torn up that car was on the inside and it makes you wonder what else they have done to it! Honestly after reading all this stuff regarding some of these V70 wagons I honestly think I will stick with the 850 to stay on the safe side. I spoke with a good Import Mechanic out here to also get a list of things to look for and he got a good laugh from me I think. Understand in Tulsa and on these freeways are just horrible. Its a nasty bumby trip all over this city and most of these cars have suspension issues so I am heading south to buy something!! He did not mention the a-c issues but mentioned the ABC stuff. So I am still hanging around waiting for someone to tell me to get down to Dallas and pic this wagon up! We will probally go later this week.
So what about this grill guard I saw a picture of? Can you still get them and this skid plate ? Are they needed ? I think they might look a little cool? I noticed a lot of posts regarding tire sizes and getting bigger wheels on them? Will this cause suspension problems. Understand I drive a 1 ton power stroke or a Mercedes wagon most of the time so this is a strange step for me to take.
-
chuckcintron
- Posts: 478
- Joined: 11 May 2007
- Year and Model:
- Location: Upstate New York
- Been thanked: 1 time
Grille guard...skid plate...hmmm...I've never thought of offroading one of these cars...
I can't believe I forgot about the ABS module...yup, that's another weak link on this car. Fortunately they can be repaired for only around $125
I would not mess with the tires/rims UNLESS the end result was exactly to spec (overall tire diameter and width).
Just my opinion, but $7K for this car (10 years old) is way too high. Did you check Edmunds, NADA and Kelly's for resale pricing? I bet a base model non-turbo 5-speed like this, even if very clean and low miles is private sale somewhere south of $5K.
You might want to do some research and tell the seller to sharpen their pencil a bit.
-Chuck
I can't believe I forgot about the ABS module...yup, that's another weak link on this car. Fortunately they can be repaired for only around $125
I would not mess with the tires/rims UNLESS the end result was exactly to spec (overall tire diameter and width).
Just my opinion, but $7K for this car (10 years old) is way too high. Did you check Edmunds, NADA and Kelly's for resale pricing? I bet a base model non-turbo 5-speed like this, even if very clean and low miles is private sale somewhere south of $5K.
You might want to do some research and tell the seller to sharpen their pencil a bit.
-Chuck
1997 855GLT
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volvoaddict007
- Posts: 195
- Joined: 24 July 2007
- Year and Model: 760 Turbo
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Hey chuckcintron,
Well written and thoughtful advice for prospective 850 buyers. I've heard of this cabin filter before but didn't know it was an after the fact item. I suppose that will fit in my 95 850 T? Is it easy to install? $?
equinutok,
Welcome. I get the sense that 7k may not be the price but is an indication of what they are going for in your area. Am curious? When in the market for a used car I can not sing praises loudly enough for Carfaxes. Even though mistakes ( rare ), incomplete info etc may occasionally occur, here is what a person gets for about 25$ for 30 days/ unlimited inquiries:
You need the vin # of prospect car. If the seller doesn't or can't provide it ...walk away.
a) knowledge of descrepencies w/ odometer readings verified through DMV info. and certain service entries such as manufacturer's dealers.
b) Accidents from minor to major.
c) salvage titles
d) # of previous owners
e) where the car has been ( example: northern states where there may be corrosion issues when the car is being sold in the sunbelt )
f) federal or california emissions ( there may be other factory emissions differences I'm unaware of ? )
Keep in mind that carfaxes are becoming more and more popular so if your car doesn't have a 'clean' fax, then YOUR resale down the road could be more difficult as well. If nothing else it's interesting /peace of mind info.
I have Yakima racks on my 760 and wouldn't trade them for my first born ( +/-$190 ). The 760 has old school gutter rails so the racks clamp right on. I can slide them around to wherever I want them! I went for the optional locks as well (+/- $40 ).
The Yakimas have round cross bars and aerodynamic supports to minimize sound. I can't hear them with my sunroof open if they are behind it... But then the exhaust on that car is louder than stock. My hearing is excellent.
They have the yakimas for your car but I dont know if they are adjustable for and aft or if drilling is required. They are a different look from stock which I also like. Way beefier like an accessory. They sit higher for more versatility and will handle more weight than stock. The cross bars can be cut later for a more streamlined yet less versatile look. If you leave the overage you will be able to throw 4' x 8's up there, wrap around and cinch down with those belts that ratchet tight (
... I never know what to call those dang things ) or you can have a second set of the longer cross bars if the time arises.
Yakimas can be found at your larger sporting goods outlets that sell kayaks and canoes.
Turbos & Sunroofs
The turbo will give you about 46 more horsepower but don't know how much the fuel economy suffers
( I'm waiting for tomatoes to be thrown at me ) I suffer from speeditis so would have to have the turbo model even with the xtra repairs etc. ( checking the trans fluid is an 'event' ) I know you said no turbo is fine but perhaps if you test drove one you may be saying, "Hmm... on second thought". By the way, Volvo is another word for turbomaster.
I could not go on living if it weren't for the sunroofs in my Volvos. Some people will say it doesn't matter and then they get a car that has one and they are hooked. Sunroofs are a 'specialty' item for Volvo as well. They've been making them since since the day of the turn crank and I have found them to be relatively reliable. There's some Volvo trivia...What was the year and model of the first sunroof?
I sympathize with those roads in Oklahoma. On my many L.A / K.C. trips I avoid that state like the plague. Just driving through the panhandle is bad enough...Hate to dog OK seein' as my pappy was from Stillwater.
Well in summary I hope you wind up with a Volvo. I can't quite place my finger on why, but I just adore these cars. As you know, They are the proven Safety King. I've heard from more than 1 person how a Volvo saved there life...
And then there's this terrific community to turn to if you need help...
................................
... Viva le VOLVO!!!...................................
va007
Well written and thoughtful advice for prospective 850 buyers. I've heard of this cabin filter before but didn't know it was an after the fact item. I suppose that will fit in my 95 850 T? Is it easy to install? $?
equinutok,
Welcome. I get the sense that 7k may not be the price but is an indication of what they are going for in your area. Am curious? When in the market for a used car I can not sing praises loudly enough for Carfaxes. Even though mistakes ( rare ), incomplete info etc may occasionally occur, here is what a person gets for about 25$ for 30 days/ unlimited inquiries:
You need the vin # of prospect car. If the seller doesn't or can't provide it ...walk away.
a) knowledge of descrepencies w/ odometer readings verified through DMV info. and certain service entries such as manufacturer's dealers.
b) Accidents from minor to major.
c) salvage titles
d) # of previous owners
e) where the car has been ( example: northern states where there may be corrosion issues when the car is being sold in the sunbelt )
f) federal or california emissions ( there may be other factory emissions differences I'm unaware of ? )
Keep in mind that carfaxes are becoming more and more popular so if your car doesn't have a 'clean' fax, then YOUR resale down the road could be more difficult as well. If nothing else it's interesting /peace of mind info.
I have Yakima racks on my 760 and wouldn't trade them for my first born ( +/-$190 ). The 760 has old school gutter rails so the racks clamp right on. I can slide them around to wherever I want them! I went for the optional locks as well (+/- $40 ).
The Yakimas have round cross bars and aerodynamic supports to minimize sound. I can't hear them with my sunroof open if they are behind it... But then the exhaust on that car is louder than stock. My hearing is excellent.
They have the yakimas for your car but I dont know if they are adjustable for and aft or if drilling is required. They are a different look from stock which I also like. Way beefier like an accessory. They sit higher for more versatility and will handle more weight than stock. The cross bars can be cut later for a more streamlined yet less versatile look. If you leave the overage you will be able to throw 4' x 8's up there, wrap around and cinch down with those belts that ratchet tight (
... I never know what to call those dang things ) or you can have a second set of the longer cross bars if the time arises.Yakimas can be found at your larger sporting goods outlets that sell kayaks and canoes.
Turbos & Sunroofs
The turbo will give you about 46 more horsepower but don't know how much the fuel economy suffers
( I'm waiting for tomatoes to be thrown at me ) I suffer from speeditis so would have to have the turbo model even with the xtra repairs etc. ( checking the trans fluid is an 'event' ) I know you said no turbo is fine but perhaps if you test drove one you may be saying, "Hmm... on second thought". By the way, Volvo is another word for turbomaster.I could not go on living if it weren't for the sunroofs in my Volvos. Some people will say it doesn't matter and then they get a car that has one and they are hooked. Sunroofs are a 'specialty' item for Volvo as well. They've been making them since since the day of the turn crank and I have found them to be relatively reliable. There's some Volvo trivia...What was the year and model of the first sunroof?
I sympathize with those roads in Oklahoma. On my many L.A / K.C. trips I avoid that state like the plague. Just driving through the panhandle is bad enough...Hate to dog OK seein' as my pappy was from Stillwater.
Well in summary I hope you wind up with a Volvo. I can't quite place my finger on why, but I just adore these cars. As you know, They are the proven Safety King. I've heard from more than 1 person how a Volvo saved there life...
And then there's this terrific community to turn to if you need help...
................................
... Viva le VOLVO!!!...................................va007
1990 5 speed 760 Turbo Wagon 310K.
( '91 940 turbo eng. + trans.)
Konis, diesel springs, 2.5" exhst., 850 T5 wheels
1993 300ZX 2+2, 171K
1999 Ford Windstar LX, 90K
( '91 940 turbo eng. + trans.)
Konis, diesel springs, 2.5" exhst., 850 T5 wheels
1993 300ZX 2+2, 171K
1999 Ford Windstar LX, 90K
-
chuckcintron
- Posts: 478
- Joined: 11 May 2007
- Year and Model:
- Location: Upstate New York
- Been thanked: 1 time
Thanks...
On the FCP website under 'tuneup' the cabin filter is $15.50 and the retaining bracket (required) is $17. I'm sure other places sell them as well.
The retrofit is very easy; just remove the screws on the right side plastic cowling cover (under the windshield wiper arms), lift up the corner of the cover near where the evaporator is (right side), and snap in the new retainer and filter. If you want to see a photo, check out my evaporator repair write-up.
Anyone who owns an 850 needs one of these to help keep their a/c evaporator healthy.
I agree 100% on the carfax utility. I also have fun looking up cars I've owned in the past, to see what happened to them.
-Chuck
On the FCP website under 'tuneup' the cabin filter is $15.50 and the retaining bracket (required) is $17. I'm sure other places sell them as well.
The retrofit is very easy; just remove the screws on the right side plastic cowling cover (under the windshield wiper arms), lift up the corner of the cover near where the evaporator is (right side), and snap in the new retainer and filter. If you want to see a photo, check out my evaporator repair write-up.
Anyone who owns an 850 needs one of these to help keep their a/c evaporator healthy.
I agree 100% on the carfax utility. I also have fun looking up cars I've owned in the past, to see what happened to them.
-Chuck
1997 855GLT
Hello all,
I would like to give a piece of valuable advice, if you're buying a used car from a private party.
It makes me feel SOOOOO dumb whenever I think of this bad experience, in retrospect, and I hope that by saying this on this forum, someone will avoid making the same stooooooooopid mistake I did when buying my 1995 Turbo Wagon.
Don't get me wrong: buying the 1995 Turbo Wagon WAS NOT a mistake. However, buying a car with stickers in the dashboard WAS.
When someone sticks an American flag sticker in their dashboard, it's not because they're patriotic - at least, that's not the main reason. It's rather to camouflage the warning lights that are coming off upon firing up the engine.
So when you get home with your newly purchased vehicle, all giddy, and undertake a grand clean up of Previous Owner's mess... it's not a funny sight when you see the Brake, Check Engine and ABS lights all ON!
That was my two cents, and I'm posting this so that someone, somewhere, becomes healthily suspicious of stickers... I guess that, at age 30, I had seen many things as far as used cars are concerned; buying from used car dealerships may avoid such a stupid occurence, but who knows??? Like Avril Lavigne says... you live, you learn!
I would like to give a piece of valuable advice, if you're buying a used car from a private party.
It makes me feel SOOOOO dumb whenever I think of this bad experience, in retrospect, and I hope that by saying this on this forum, someone will avoid making the same stooooooooopid mistake I did when buying my 1995 Turbo Wagon.
Don't get me wrong: buying the 1995 Turbo Wagon WAS NOT a mistake. However, buying a car with stickers in the dashboard WAS.
When someone sticks an American flag sticker in their dashboard, it's not because they're patriotic - at least, that's not the main reason. It's rather to camouflage the warning lights that are coming off upon firing up the engine.
So when you get home with your newly purchased vehicle, all giddy, and undertake a grand clean up of Previous Owner's mess... it's not a funny sight when you see the Brake, Check Engine and ABS lights all ON!
That was my two cents, and I'm posting this so that someone, somewhere, becomes healthily suspicious of stickers... I guess that, at age 30, I had seen many things as far as used cars are concerned; buying from used car dealerships may avoid such a stupid occurence, but who knows??? Like Avril Lavigne says... you live, you learn!
-
volvoaddict007
- Posts: 195
- Joined: 24 July 2007
- Year and Model: 760 Turbo
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Well vince now that you mention it , I just realized about a month ago after owning my 850 for about 6 that the SERVICE light is NOT the 'code' light... That would be the CHECK ENGINE light which is not functioning in my car... 
Umm, Gee I wonder why not ???
Oh, well maybe the bulb burned out... RIGHT...
Or maybe the guy I bought it from DISCONNECTED IT ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I drove 60 miles to look at a 5 speed 850 wagon with 195k that had the original clutch. This woman was ranting and raving about the meticulous maintenance of this car. So I questioned her extensively about the clutch and that it was quite expensive to replace...Oh, no problems there.
I get there and the maintenance records are supposedly in the jammed glovebox, The sunroof didn't work, The cams looked like they had seen quite a bit of dirty oil, The shifter was loose, the paint on the entire hood as well as part of a quarter panel was checked, She had to keep the rear door open with a broomstick. Oh, and the creme de la creme... The gearbox was grinding when I put it in reverse.
Then she got all in a tizzy when I told her that there really wasn't enough left to make an offer on.
And yes, the carfax had mentioned the accident ...
va007
Umm, Gee I wonder why not ???
Oh, well maybe the bulb burned out... RIGHT...
Or maybe the guy I bought it from DISCONNECTED IT ...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I drove 60 miles to look at a 5 speed 850 wagon with 195k that had the original clutch. This woman was ranting and raving about the meticulous maintenance of this car. So I questioned her extensively about the clutch and that it was quite expensive to replace...Oh, no problems there.
I get there and the maintenance records are supposedly in the jammed glovebox, The sunroof didn't work, The cams looked like they had seen quite a bit of dirty oil, The shifter was loose, the paint on the entire hood as well as part of a quarter panel was checked, She had to keep the rear door open with a broomstick. Oh, and the creme de la creme... The gearbox was grinding when I put it in reverse.
Then she got all in a tizzy when I told her that there really wasn't enough left to make an offer on.
And yes, the carfax had mentioned the accident ...
va0071990 5 speed 760 Turbo Wagon 310K.
( '91 940 turbo eng. + trans.)
Konis, diesel springs, 2.5" exhst., 850 T5 wheels
1993 300ZX 2+2, 171K
1999 Ford Windstar LX, 90K
( '91 940 turbo eng. + trans.)
Konis, diesel springs, 2.5" exhst., 850 T5 wheels
1993 300ZX 2+2, 171K
1999 Ford Windstar LX, 90K
-
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