Hello all, new member.

A little history, Over the past 10 years I have owned a 91 Volvo 240 (sold after hitting black ice).
Then went to a 89 Saab 900 SPG, then sold it to get a 97 Saab 9000 Aero. Well the Aero just had a oil pan/engine seizure, so I am looking again. I really like the 97 Volvo 850, but also found an 87 Volvo 240DL with only 70k miles, pretty much mint all over. I love the interior it is black, but not crazy about the exterior being offwhite, looks more cream. Also, since I am doing a little research I have come across an 80 Volvo that was on eBay that looked amazing. I really like the 2 door and the look of the front with round headlights, also like the older 242 models. I am not a mechanic but I can do basic work. Here is where I need advice, I know most cars have certain models to avoid, thoughts on buying the models during the 70's. And any other recommendations you think I might enjoy.

Thank you for all replys.

 

Hi Tbob,

Welcome to the forum, and sorry for belated reply.

As to Volvos other than the 850 series & S70s, I do not have knowledge and cannot comment. If I were given the same choice, I would go for that '97 850. But this of course, depends on the condition.

The best car out there, regardless of what others say, is the one you really like. However, there are things you may want to know before spending on a car. As far as the 850 goes, expect at least $300-$500 for an initial servicing and this is parts only. If taken care of, a 850 can go over 200,000 or even 300,000 miles.

Whichever car you decide to buy, be sure to do a visual inspection (look for fluid leaks, proper fluid levels, signs of accidents, interior conditions, etc...). Check to see if the car comes with a full service record. And just as important, make sure to have it inspected at a shop, preferably an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes. I would not recommend any of the franchise shops for anything, not even an oil change.

Here's a very easy check to see if the car has been well taken care of. Open up the air filter box, remove the filter element and look at the bottom of the filter housing. A poorly maintainedcars would have debris on the bottom (dusts, pebbles, bugs, etc...). A slightly dirty filter element is fine, as it can get superficially dirty fairly quickly.

Let us know if we can further assist you.

Best of luck finding a decent vehicle.


JPN

 

I have an S60 and an 850 for my son. If you are going in the direction of 10-12 year old car I'm partial to the 850 S70 series.

 

I also am partial to the 850 and the 98 S/V70 models. Stay away from the 93 850 since it was the first year and it has some quirks. I have really grown to like the older 240's. The only thing I know is to stay away from the 6 cylinder 240's, i.e. the 262, 264 or 265 models. I have heard that was the worst motor made by Volvo. Also if you get into the 700 series, stay away from the non turbocharged 760 models, cause they had the same engine. The 760 Turbo Intercooler was actually the four cylinder with a turbo, so it's ok. I had one of those in 89 and it was OK. I got rid of it as soon as I drove an 850 Turbo though. To me there was no comparison.

Welcome to the forum and hope this helps.

 

I can't say I know about relative repair frequencies of the different older generations of Volvos... if it were me though, I'd get the 1997 850 - like all auto makers, Volvo does make technological and design improvements with each generation. I know I like my 1998 S70, which is just a modest reworking of the design of that 1997 850 - same chassis and powertrain. The real next generation was the P2 platform introduced with the S80.

 

I know my daughters 99 S80 T6 is a very fast car, but one that had numerous problems. Pure luxury and fast though. A very nice and comfortable car that can be bought very cheap because of all the problems they had with that model year.

 

Thanks for ALL the feedback this was in my backyard so I could not pass it up. I have always loved the red but only with charcoal and not the beige. If it is not okay to post the link you can kill it. Thanks again.
http://www.colewebmarketing.com/volvo-for-sale/index.htm

 

Looks good! I probably would not have passed it up either.

 

I would have jumped all over it. Plus it's red and red cars are my favorite.

 

Grab it before someone else does, but be sure to have it inspected before paying.

Good luck to you,


JPN

 

I must say, "Nice Choice!"

(my wife and I's Volvo)


We love it! It's got 141k and we're looking forward to 200k +!!!

You really can't go wrong with an 850 Turbo.

 

[quote]ORIGINAL: JPN

Grab it before someone else does, but be sure to have it inspected before paying.

 

Oops my error, that should have been one post.

Good advice and exactly what I did.

The only issue is the SRS light is on and I think that isdue to a odometer swap.

Wow what a nice turbo ride to work!!!