I amplanningto buy either a '96 850 GLT or '98 V40 (wagons) this weekend. I could do with some ideas tho! What is the better car, all round? What is the more fuel efficient, and is the margin large? Is reliability an issue for either? What car drives/ rides better?

I do 500km a week, currently using 70L. I want to get that down to 50L if possible. I imagine both cars are better than a 2.2 Camry Gracia wagon (the main 2nd option), but again, thoughts appreciated. Thanks all!

 

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it helpful.

The choices are tough. I would get the one with full service records, have it inspected by a certified technician and test drive it. If you can do repairs on your own, the 850 is a good choice but hear other members' opinions to get betterperspective.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Osayo gazaimus ありがとう thankyou! The 850GLT i am viewing has FSH, the V40 is a JDM & has none. I guess that evens the odds. Thanks!

 

Welcome. I tend to agree with JPN.

 

Welcome aboard.

Here in the states we have 3w.fueleconomy.gov. You may have something similar for mpg. You can see both manufacturer and people's feedback.

I agree with jpn, go with the one with better records. If both are equal, go with your gut.

 

Welcome to the site.

 

Thanks everybody! The 850 turns up tomorrow, assuming all good, I should own it. I missed out on a T-5R wagon last week, but as fuel economy is an issue, I'm kinda glad I did.

I'll upload pics when I have some.

 

My pleasure, I hope it goes well.

JDM = Japanese Domesticated Males? I must be one of them.

My 1st & 2nd replies at the following may give you some ideas as to what components usually need attention:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm


JPN

 

Excellent list, thanks JPN! Bookmarked. Immediately I can diagnose from that, thatthat a PCV overhaul is due. What is that likely to cost, and what happens if I ignore it? I don't know how bad the situation is, I saw oil on the head as hopefully a mispour. I haven't yet paid for the car.

 

Sorry for delayed reply, I just replaced the hard disk on my lappy and was also sick in bed for over a week (and still haven't recovered fully yet, must be the air/water in J@p@n).

You do not want to ignore that PCV system on Volvos. They are of peculiar design and once the system starts getting dirty, the crankcase pressure will build up and it will cause oil to escape from all over the place, and the worst place for this to happen is the rear main seal. Replacement of the RMS requires separation of the engine & tranny.

If you can do the replacement of the PCV kit, the ballpark would be in US$200 range, but if you let a pro do it for you, it may require additional US$200 or so, depending on what part/region of the world you are situated.

I hope I answered your question. If not, other members would be able to help you better or you can PM me or reply to this post so that I can do a bit of math by visiting some on-line parts vendors.

Best of luck,


JPN