I'm trying to decide to purchase a used Volvo for my 16 yr old. I've found two contenders for the first car and would like some experienced advice from current Volvo owners.
Either 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo, 115,000 miles for $4,000 or 1998 S70 with 128,000 miles (base model) for $5,000. I really like the looks of the 98, but am a bit concerned over electrical issues that seem to persist in this model. I've been reading quite a few negative comments. Any suggestions or is it a craps shoot?

 

Decisions decisions...my two cents...

An 850 turbo is quite a bit of power for a 16 y/o in my opinion but that's not really fair for me to judge. That being said, here's some pros/cons as I see them:

94 Turbo - Pros: Power, Less mileage/price than the 98, OBD I meaning you can diagnose/reset the engine codes yourself without a scan tool or dealer, Turbos usually have more luxury items, nicer wheels, etc than base models from what I've seen

Turbo Cons: Power, higher insurance premiums due to Turbo, slightly less gas mileage, extra stuff to go wrong with Turbo (I/C hose replacement, turbo itself)

I haven't heard about the electrical problems on '98s. The V70 is a very pretty car as well with the color-keyed trim, as the 94 850 will have grey trim.

Whatever you decide, I think a Volvo is a good choice for your son. I have a 95 855T that I feel very good about transporting my family in. It's a solid car with 130K on it. I haven't had any electrical problems to speak of. Either way, please have the car checked out by a Volvo specialist. They will know all the things to look out for...

Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

Ditto on what RP850 said. I had a 94 850 Turbo until recently. I now have a 98 V70 (Pretty much the same car as the S70 in a wagon)and a 97 850 R. I personally like the looks of the 850 better than the S70, but it's not really that big a difference. I like the body trim on the S70 being the same color as the car on most colors. I don't think you will go wrong with either choice. As far as problems with the S70, I think the problems started with the 99 model year and more with the S80.

 

Thanks for the advice. I've decided on the S70, and will keep my fingers crossed. Luckily I've got a good mechanic who works on my older model Audi's that confers with your suggestions and will give me the final thumbs up or down.

 

Congrats! A fine car choice for your son. Glad to hear it and I hope you get a good report back from the mechanic! Areas to look out for on the 850 that may apply on the V70 as well:

Transmission (look for good fluid, smooth shifting and hopefully a record of fluid changes)
A/C Evap - (be suspicious if it 'just needs a little freon' Evap changes on an 850 are $1000+. Dashboard needs to be removed in order to replace the evaporator.
Timing Belt (should have been replaced at least once already. On 850s it should be changed every 70K.)
Rear Main Seal (Big job to replace $800-$1000) Make sure you can track down any and all oil leaks
Suspension - check the sway bar endlinks and the rest of the suspension. If the struts/shocks spring seats/mounts haven't been replaced yet you're probably going to be due for that.

Let me know if you have any other questions!