'96 850 reliability?

MB450SL · Post by **MB450SL** » 26 Dec 2002, 13:53

Need another vehicle and was wondering about the reliability of the Volvo 850. There is a 1996 with 79K miles that looked interesting. Can anyone tell me if it's worth driving an hour to look at it or should I look for something else? My kids may have to take it (or my new van) back to college about 600 miles away, and I don't want them to have problems with a car out of warranty (since that's what happened to the last one they had.)

chriskose · Post by **chriskose** » 27 Dec 2002, 10:37

Volvo engines and trannys are renowned for their reliability. There's a guy in New York who has one million miles on his 240. But anyway, that 850 you are looking at should prove to last another 79K. But with any car, it could be a lemon. Check with the owner to see if it has had regular service done on it. -oil change, belts, plugs, etc.
One of the recurring problems with the 850 auto tranny is the PNP switch. When this goes out, the tranny goes into "safe" mode. This means that the tranny stays in third gear. Driveable, but very slow and annoying. The fix for the switch can be found at http://Volvospeed.com/volvo_performance.php in the maintence section.
Is the car a turbo?

mb450sl · Post by **mb450sl** » 27 Dec 2002, 13:30

Thank you for the info. NO the 850 is NOT a turbo, but not looking for a rocketship. My kids are in college 600 miles from home and the vehicle they took with them no needs extensive repair that I do not want to fund. So, I'm either going to get them a bird car (cheap, cheap cheap!!) or let them take the newer minivan that is still under warranty and get something for my bride to drive. I've heard nothing bad about the 850, except what is on this site, and that all seems minor. Thanks again for the reply. BOB

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Dec 2002, 10:42

I wouldn't recommend 850s to everyone... I'd be a bit wary in this situation. If it was for you and you're good with tools or don't mind paying $ for scheduled service, I'd say take your time and find a nice 850 turbo. The turbo is sooo nice (doesn't add a cent to maintenance either

) that an 850 without turbo is really screaming for more power.

Basically, 850s are great for safety and comfort, and if you choose a turbo, damn quick acceleration. But if you're of the large group of people that has been spoiled by and accustomed to near-maintenance-free Japanese cars of the last 20 years, you may meet with frustration. It's a trade off, and the value of that trade off is an individual choice.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/buy.php for a bit more on this.[/url]

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 31 Dec 2002, 10:19

Thanks, Matthew, for the advice. Because this will primarily be for my girls in college 600 miles from home, we are, obviously, looking for something they don't have to mess with as far as maintenance. We're still looking. Thanks again and Happy New Year. BOB

jeffmills6 · Post by **jeffmills6** » 14 Jan 2003, 11:42

I love my 850. True, turbo would be nice but I swapped my exhaust and put in a K&N air filter and it's quick enough for me. I keep up with the maintenance, but can easily do most things in my driveway. I would recommend the 850 in a minute.... FWD, safe as hell, all features of a much more expensive car.