Buying an 850, 125K, tranny not serviced, how much??

VolvoGeek · Post by **VolvoGeek** » 10 Dec 2004, 06:36

The car is very clean, a female owner. She has been gentle on the car. The oil has been changed every 3K. I have never purchased a car with this many miles on it. I always change the tranny oil in my vehicles at regular intervals. Do you think the tranny will last or should I give the car a pass? How much would you pay? Asking $4,350.00

Arfsnarfy · Post by **Arfsnarfy** » 10 Dec 2004, 14:51

I can't comment on the price, but the transmissions are pretty solid. Check the fluid and see what it looks like. If it's clean, no slippage, no hard shifts, I wouldn't worry. They are also very easy to flush and maintain, see the site links for instructions.

Post by **matthew1** » 10 Dec 2004, 14:59

Ideally, fluid should be pink and not smell burnt. Volvo inexplicably recommended never changing the fluid, and dealers stick to this.

I change mine. Take all this for what it's worth tho... there's no scientific studies done as far as I know.

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Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 10 Dec 2004, 16:34

Arfsnarfy wrote:I can't comment on the price, but the transmissions are pretty solid. Check the fluid and see what it looks like. If it's clean, no slippage, no hard shifts, I wouldn't worry. They are also very easy to flush and maintain, see the site links for instructions.

I have to cry BS on the statement that the trans are pretty solid. Way too many problems in this and other forums for a soild recomendation. If they are serviced (against manufacutrers recomendations) they will have a better chance of lasting.

VolvoGeek · Post by **VolvoGeek** » 13 Dec 2004, 06:16

I have to agree with TSquared! I have read many stories on this forum of 850 tranny's failing, for some unfortunate owners more than once. The big question is what causes the trannies to last so long for some owners, while they die at under 100K for some others. I really wonder if its all based on whether the fluid was changed. Old, worn out oil will not lubricate properly. Or did some folks just drive the car too hard? All, Thanks for the tips. I will be sure to carefully examine the oils on the car when I do check-out.