97 850R wagon 98K Miles One Owner! I finally got an R!

Post by **osman** » 05 May 2015, 11:35

Went to the charity auction this Saturday with plans on buying a car for my daughters graduation next month. Lo and behold, there was an 97 850R wagon white with black interior.I have had countless turbos and T5's but never an R, It needs a window and a fender and some trim but overall its in good shape. Going to drive it home today, I will see if the odometer is still working and if thats the actual mileage or if the plastic gear had broken and mileage is unknown. Not sure if I will be keeping it though since I also bought a 2000 c70 turbo convertible (silver) and a black BMW 98 323s with M3 racing rims which she will probably prefer either of those over the R due to the sleek looks of the 2 Dr. sports car vs box wagon.

Post by **misha** » 05 May 2015, 17:16

C70 convertible for daughter and this "R" for you.

Post by **Rondo** » 05 May 2015, 17:58

I hate to be a nay-sayer, but is that really an "R"? I thought they all had the front and rear spoilers on them, as well as Titans. I may be wrong, and I kinda hope I am.

Post by **misha** » 05 May 2015, 18:04

Doesn't look like one...that's for sure.I guess that osman knows what real "R" is and how it should look.Wheels are from "platinum" and the latest 850 series and then transfered to s,v70 series.

Post by **erikv11** » 06 May 2015, 09:47

Yeah, all I see is the badge, Presumably it has R interior but did you check the VIN? If it is truly an R, I would probably keep it.

mika · Post by **mika** » 06 May 2015, 10:06

not sure myself, but I can confirm that the badging is done correctly (spacing of R and the 850 emblem are spot on)...the rest of the car looks off. either way, nice whip

Post by **atucker1** » 06 May 2015, 10:54

Considering the fact that someone put on the Euro side marker lights, it's definitely possible the previous owner did some other exterior modifications.

Post by **misha** » 06 May 2015, 11:17

Vin numbers will solve the mistery.

Post by **tryingbe** » 06 May 2015, 11:20

Wrong wheels for an R, no spoiler, no front fogs, I'd sell it.

Post by **northernlights** » 06 May 2015, 13:46

But it does have the all important 'Keep Austin Weird.' sticker!

I believe the T5-R and 850R's all have a 58 in the VIN. The standard T5 or Turbo will be a 57. Low pressure turbo will have something else.

The ECU should be a 628 if it is a R.

Either way, now that you have it, it's all about how good it runs and how much work it needs.

97 850R wagon 98K Miles One Owner! I finally got an R!

Should I keep it or sell it to someone who will appreciate her more than I will?