1995 850...what would you do?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 06 Jul 2008, 13:28

1995 850 non-turbo wagon...160,000 miles, loses practically no oil, no rust.
What it does need is: Steering rack, exhaust manifold...some minor body work.
We have owned this car since new... I don't know when to 'pack it in'. How long do these engines/ gearboxes last? I have no idea of the cost to fix the manifold or steering rack (we use an independent shop, but he says that he doesn't know until it's apart)...
What would you do? $25,000+ for a newish car or fix the old one....

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 06 Jul 2008, 14:00

In these economic times.....fix it!! I'm very fond of the 850. I believe if my son had been in a lesser built vehicle at the time of his accident he would have been injured or worse. I bought him another 850 and just recently bought one for my 16 year old daughter. Bought my wife an S80 after his accident.

I trust the lives of the ones I love to Volvo!!!

Post by **Sperry** » 06 Jul 2008, 16:34

Yes, one gets ahead by repairing. Not replacing [just yet].

You might want an honest indie shop to give their opinion, in the understanding that you're doing the work yourself.

chuckcintron · Post by **chuckcintron** » 06 Jul 2008, 20:06

Hard to say without knowing what else you've replaced/repaired on the car since 1995. Search through this forum to see all the common issues:

A/C evaporator
A/C compressor
PNP switch
ABS module
Air injection system
PCV system
Suspension
etc.

If all that stuff is in A+ condition then I'd say go for the next couple of repairs and drive the car for another couple of years at least. If you think you are on the edge of the curve here and this is the start of a long list of repairs, then sell the car and buy a newer car. Simple time-cash equation...

-Chuck

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 06 Jul 2008, 20:56

If you decide to buy a "newish" car.....there are members always looking for a good deal.

Stating your location is always important if you decide to sell it. You'd be lucky to get $1000 trade from a dealer.

Diesels_n_Poker · Post by **Diesels_n_Poker** » 06 Jul 2008, 21:13

KEEP IT!!! Fix it yourself. This forum is an outstanding resource to help you.

I personally hate imports BUT you gotta give credit when due and these Volvos are solid cars. As a result I drive one almost every day.

Look at it this way: how many OTHER vehicles have FREE online FACTORY SERVICE MANUALS available? Or TSB's? Or when the talented folks post VADIS images straight from the Volvo servers? No ither vehicle comes close to the support network you have with the Volvo (at least that I have seen to date)...

She is a keeper. At least mine is. Good luck with your decision...

Jim (fellow 1995 850 owner)

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 06 Jul 2008, 22:19

I agree!! I bought my first Volvo (94 850 base) in May 07 for my then 17 year old son. In November a "careless" driver forced him into the median cable barrier on a local interstate at 70 MPH. Destroyed the front end of the car but, from the firewall back....perfect. All four doors are perfectly aligned and there is no buckle around the sunroof, which in most cars with sunroofs with any kind of moderate impact there will be a buckle in the roof.

I can email pictures if you like.

Most importantly, he and two friends walked away uninjured!! I replaced it with a 97 850 R, bought my wife a 2000 S80 and 2 months ago bought my daughter who takes her driving test for her permanent license in two weeks, a 95 850 GLT.

Now, where do you think I stand??

If your wagon were a TURBO model I'd be interested in buying it for ME.