850 or V70

Rundog · Post by **Rundog** » 04 Dec 2006, 05:41

WHat is a better buy - the 850 of the last year of production (I guess it's 1996) or V 70 made the first year? I was always thinking that vehicles of the last year have all the "childish illnesses" already cured, while a new model is always "raw" at the begining. Besides, 850 1996 and V 70 1997 are equally old, but the price is different. What are the pros and cons?

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 04 Dec 2006, 06:27

These cars are very very similar when it comes down to it and most of the problems with them will be seen on both the later 850's and the 70 series cars. Just from my personal experience, the interior of the S/V70 is more quiet, and a bit more modern feeling. My 850's interior definitely has more rattles to it, but some components seem a bit nicer (all leather seats as opposed to 80% leather / 20% fake stuff on the 70 series). Under the hood, they are basically identical for all practical purposes. Soo, it's really just a matter of preference and price. Either a late 850 or an early V70 are great cars.

Rundog · Post by **Rundog** » 04 Dec 2006, 23:46

Thanks. If they are quite identical technically, I'm inclined to buy a 850 of the last year than V 70 of the first year. I mean they both will have the same km under the belt, but for the money I'll save buying 850 I'll be able to cure many problems that I would also have to cure in the V 70 - a car 10 years old can't be problem free. What problems of 850 are the most expensive to cure? I'm an Audi man and this would be my first Volvo.

Rundog

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 05 Dec 2006, 05:46

The two big expensive repairs are the rear main seal and the A/C evaporator. Soo, make sure that there is no oil leak between the engine and the transmission. Then run the A/C for several minutes and make sure it stays turned on and blows cold.

Post by **JRL** » 05 Dec 2006, 05:59

97 850 vs 98 V70.
As was said, many of the same parts but I have found that the V70 is screwed together a bit better and a MUCH better interior in terma of quietness and durability.
If neither was maintaned they both will be fairly worn by now

Rundog · Post by **Rundog** » 10 Dec 2006, 04:35

Sorry, English is not my native language, and I have problems with terms. What is A/C evaporator?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Dec 2006, 08:32

A/C is the Air Conditioner or A/C system
The Evaporator is part of that system found under the dash (you have to take the dash apart to get to it...very time consuming and expensive) that "evaporates" the heat away so that cooling takes place. This part is the most common failure on 850's and is a major headache for us first generation FWD/AWD Volvo owners. Hope this all helps.

Post by **robert213** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:08

JRL wrote:97 850 vs 98 V70.

In the United States, 1997 was the last model year of 850 and 1998 was the first model year of V70.

In the United States, 1999 was the first model year using the ETM (Electronic Throttle Module). People have experienced problems with 1999 thru 2001 ETM's.

Check that your throttle body opens mechanically with a cable connected to your accelerator pedal. Therefore, you do not have ETM.

Post by **luketrash** » 12 Dec 2006, 07:56

just out of curiosity:

A lot of photos I see of Volvo V70 or the late 960s have what appears to be separation of vinyl from the door panels above the armrests.

Am I just seeing things?

The reason I went with my 850 is that the doors can't really fall apart in the same manner.

However, my headliner is sagging, so I guess it's 6 of one and half dozen of the other...

The interior comfort has always been top notch in my Volvos. The quality of the parts has always been lacking.. cracking vinyl/plastic/leather...

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 12 Dec 2006, 08:44

Yes, the vinyl seperating on the 70 series cars is a known problem. Our S70 has this on all 4 doors. It really isn't all that bothersome.... at least not enough to dish out $2000 for replacement door panels.

Speaking of armrests, I very much prefer the shape of the inside of the door panel on the 850 versus the S70. On the 850, I can rest my left elbow in that little crevice and keep my hand on the wheel. With the shape of the panel on the S70, it's not nearly as comfortable to do that.