I just picked up a 1996 Volvo Platinum Wagon

matt122s · Post by **matt122s** » 22 Dec 2015, 21:39

I'm so excited

. It's been neglected and needs a ton of work, but sure has a lot of potential. At $500.00 the price was right and I couldn't pass it up. I live just outside of Boston Ma. and saw it in a Central N.J. Craigslist add. I really like wagons, especially a Platinum. It was little over 200 miles each way to get it.
It failed the PCV glove test, so I'll be replacing the PCV system.
The exhaust is rotted off, already picked up a new cat-back to install this weekend.
The odometer is inop, I'm going to replace the water pump and all the timing components, as well as repair the odometer.
I bought NGK copper plugs, Bosch cap and rotor, and will also do an oil change this weekend.
I'm glad it's been so warm in the N.E. this winter, it makes it easier to work on cars.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Thanks, Matt

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Dec 2015, 21:45

Congrats! Always happy to see these rescued.

Post by **dosbricks** » 22 Dec 2015, 21:51

Excellent! These are certainly the cream of the 855s!

matt122s · Post by **matt122s** » 22 Dec 2015, 21:54

Thanks, it was such a fun drive back. It has so much more power than my '95 NA 850. I can't wait to get it road worthy.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Dec 2015, 00:48

Cue Roberts "new to you Volvo" video

Post by **Clemens** » 23 Dec 2015, 01:50

Most 850 Turbo owners swear by the OEM Volvo spark plugs. Non Volvo plugs are believed to be the cause for some strange errors.
Also, if doing the PCV, don´t forget to clean the pct valve on the air duct running to the turbo. Not all tutorials mention that.

Post by **rspi** » 23 Dec 2015, 03:50

I was in NY last month and tried to contact someone in Central New Jersey about a Platinum wagon for sale. Congratulations & I'm glad someone excited about it got it. I'm still looking for one.

Post by **m491** » 23 Dec 2015, 06:58

I've seen that one for sale for a while. Glad to see it being saved by someone here. Take your time with the work in front of you and get the stage zero done. Do yourself a favor and watch Robert's video's on Youtube. he has saved me so much time and money with my fleet of 850's (including a Platinum 855). These are super cars and I really miss not having an 855 in the garage these days.

Get some pictures up when you have time. Good luck with the new car.

matt122s · Post by **matt122s** » 23 Dec 2015, 18:45

Thanks for the advice everyone, this is such a helpful and useful site. I'm going to tackle the exhaust, thermostat and all the cooling hoses tomorrow. I'll try to get the PCV system and the timing components and water pump done next weekend. Is there anything that I need to do to the turbo, or anything peculiar to turbos that I should look for?
Thanks again, Matt

Post by **matthew1** » 23 Dec 2015, 18:55

You have a car more rare than a manual P2 R.

Outstanding buy. I've been crazy for Platinums since I first recognized one in 2000... "That paint! Those wheels! What? How? Who?"