need advise on 1996 850

blue_v70 · Post by **blue_v70** » 15 May 2007, 07:00

Hi Guys

I am planning to buy a 1996 model volvo 850. Can anyone tell me the pluses and minuses on this car and are there any problems associated with this car?

This car is intended for my day to day work.

I love volvo, and currently own 2006 v70. Its our family weekender car but i need something for me to go to work and I need a wagon for my work stuff.

I have my eye on a 1996 850, it has done 250,000 km, its got few scratches but interior is neat, nice and clean.

The only thing is, it has no service log books the owner claimed that he only has this car for 8 months and the previous owner lost the service log.

He told me that the car hasnt given him any hassles so far and drives beautifully.

Any comments or advise are greatly appreciated.

Regards
Ivan

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 May 2007, 07:17

Hi Ivan,

Without the service records the first thing I would look for is any evidence of a timing belt change at around 225,000 km. It is a customary practice to put a sticker on either the timing belt cover or on top of the ECU box that notes the last change.

If there is no evidence of belt exchange I would do it immediately since it is potentially already 25,000 km overdue. This will be the second belt so it is further customary to change the water pump, the idlers, and the tensioner. Those items should be changed with every other timing belt.

Other than that, a check of the fluids for their condition can reveal a lack of maintenance.

The last thing I would add is to make sure the air conditioner works. The evaporators tend to go bad and the entire dashboard has to come out to get to it, it is an expensive repair.

...Lee

blue_v70 · Post by **blue_v70** » 15 May 2007, 07:22

Hi Lee, thanks for the reply and your advise, i will certainly look into this.

Can I post some pictures in this post? Wonder how.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 15 May 2007, 07:44

Can I post some pictures in this post? Wonder how.

Sure,

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... hp?p=16880

...Lee

volvrow · Post by **volvrow** » 15 May 2007, 11:35

Test out everything before you buy it (A/C, cruise control, windows, etc). It might be worth it to have a mechanic look over it before you buy it. These are wonderful vehicles and like most volvo's can be a little more costly to maintain, but they will last a very long time if you take care of them. This site also has a lot of good tips so you can do most of the work yourself.

blue_v70 · Post by **blue_v70** » 16 May 2007, 04:54

Here are the pictures

blue_v70 · Post by **blue_v70** » 16 May 2007, 05:11

how many models available for 850? And what are they? I know theres R model (which is turbo model), and glt, and SE and this one is S model, anyone can tell me the differences between the models?

Thanks

Post by **JRL** » 16 May 2007, 08:35

blue_v70 wrote:how many models available for 850? And what are they? I know theres R model (which is turbo model), and glt, and SE and this one is S model, anyone can tell me the differences between the models?

Thanks

THAT is a base wagon, cloth seats

blue_v70 · Post by **blue_v70** » 17 May 2007, 04:11

So the difference only in leather seat? I know this got cloth seats but still in good condition. Old leather tend to crack, i dont like it.

philosophicaldreamer · Post by **philosophicaldreamer** » 17 May 2007, 06:19

I would not touch this car without having maintenance records. Poorly maintained Volvos can be very expensive in upkeep.

Ta-ta, j.