Need advice (update What $50 bought me (see Pg2))

mmgibson · Post by **mmgibson** » 22 Sep 2009, 01:57

I have a 1997 850 non-turbo manual...

I have found a 1996.. i think.. anyway to tell they year without a title?
I thought it was a 98 but the tag on the door says 95.. i know its not a 95.. my friend thinks 96...

Anyway.. I found a 1996or7or8 850 turbo w/auto... Its a nice looking car.. spoiler on back and in good shape, everything is there.. The reason its sitting is the timing belt broke..
I have heard/read on this forum that if the timing belt breaks the engine is scrape metal.. or worthless... is this always true..?
if so its to bad the car only has 140k on it..
If not is there a way to know if its ruined? according to owner it turns over...

I do need some of the parts to fix up my 1997.. but am considering just the opposite.. fixing up the 199? turbo...

The current owner takes cars and hauls them in for scrape metal money...
Need advice before he scraps it... he wants $500.. he says he can get 400-500 in scrape metal money...

You guys may remember me.. posted here sometime ago.. computer broke but now I'm back..

Any advice you can give me would be GREATLY appreciated...

Post by **Matty Moo** » 22 Sep 2009, 08:16

get the vin, run a free carfax on it ( the one that just gives you basic info) and it will tell you the year.

I'd buy it for $500 even if it didn't run. I made a ton of cash parting out my 850 wagon after hitting a deer with it. If you're patient, you can make well over $2k parting it out. Every little gizmo on that car is worth cash.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 22 Sep 2009, 12:00

Ill agree with fatty on this one. For 500 id buy it so fast. Just for the parts. but I know at my scrap yard they have a couple turbos and the guy usuall sells the motors for 200. so I mean 700 for a volvo, id def do it.

mmgibson · Post by **mmgibson** » 23 Sep 2009, 10:14

thanks alot guys..
really good advice.. i really hadn't considered the parting out option...
and i didn't know about the free carfax option... thanks

So does anyone know about the engine if the timing belt broke?
I am going to make him an offer, but really like to start getting some idea about the engine and if i can do anything with it.

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 23 Sep 2009, 12:00

You can usually replace the head and the head gasket after the timing belt breaks. Several of our members have used Clearwater Cylinder Heads http://cylinder-heads.com/ with good luck. It is often just as cheap to pick up a used engine though.

...Lee

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 23 Sep 2009, 12:21

Buy it for 500 and replace the head. 140K is nothing on one of these cars so it would be worth fixing. That is if the rest of the car is in good shape.

Otherwise, just part it out and then donate what is left. You will make money off the parts and then have a 1000 dollar tax deduction.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 23 Sep 2009, 12:40

You should definatly buy it. A turbo with 140K miles is a priceless car. I would buy it and fix it up.

Post by **misha** » 23 Sep 2009, 17:14

You can find out what model year car is with Vin numbers.Like this:

mmgibson · Post by **mmgibson** » 24 Sep 2009, 01:12

thanks guys... have left message with him that i will take the car... i am trying to talk him down some... it may be worth 500 but if can get it for less.. why not...

The car is in great condition... no dents or major visible problems... the front seats are as bad as the ones in my 97...
I assume that the front leather seats were crap in these cars....
Has anyone got a good suggestion for the seats... I was planning to buy covers but would like a suggestion from some people who have bought them as to what kind are best... and that wont interfere with the air bags, seat heaters ect...?

Misha thank you.. that is an awesome bit of advise and tool you provided.. thanks

Post by **RobTheModd** » 25 Sep 2009, 08:21

mmgibson wrote: I assume that the front leather seats were crap in these cars....

HEY TAKE THAT BACK!!!! haha. My 850 is a 96 and its seats are in I wouldnt say GREAT but there in good condition for never being taken care of... *not original owner* if I was theyd still look new. But for the most part, just the normal wear and tear on the drivers. pass is fine.
I would say check a auto yard but then again... that might be hard to find seats in perfect condition and i have no clue what they go for.
If nothing else. im sure someone could provide a great source for new seats or covers/repairing them. *I havent gotten into this phase of fixing up the car to help you yet, sorry* But I am starting next week so I would love to know where one could get new power seats? possibly as cheap as possible.