Hello folks I'm glad to be apart of the Volvo family. I never thought I would be but after that test drive 9 months ago the rest is history. I was looking for a car in the $4,000 - $3,000 range and my friends who own a small dealership got this 97 850 with 157,000 on a trade. I didn't even see it on the lot until they pointed it out to me, it was like that scene in the transformers movie with the old dusty Camaro.... It was filthy and the paint looked faded and I was like ugh can't do it at first... then I drove it ...granted it needed some repairs because I could hear chatter under the front end but still it felt good but I was still hesitant because of cost etc and then they told me they'd give it to me for $1,200 under the condition that whatever it needs I pay for... so I took the leap because I felt the car was worth it and OMG I'm sooooooo glad I did because this was a diamond in the rough.

So here we are Phase One of project 850 was compeled yesterday. $2,000 later after a long list of repairs .. control arms, bushings CV Axels, Brakes, Rotors, A/C condensor, Timing belts, serpentine belt, transmission and engine service, alignment, new tires, etc Lots of cleaning inside and out. And here we are 9 months later.....

Now with all of the important work don't I'm looking forward to a cool summer (A/C was the last thing fixed) Phase Two of Project 850 with be all about cosmetics inner and outer beauty... new paint job, new wheels, lights and a few low cost items on the inside. Thankfully the paint job will be free, but I have to pay for the wheels... what do you guys think of these?

 

Nice snag. I'm not much of a wheel guy so I have no real input on that.

 

Thanks... I was terrified at first but I'm glad I took the leap.... I'm not one of those guys who ignores stuff I always want things right with my car.... I'll have to try not to drive my self crazy with one so far it has given me a lot of satisfaction for all the stuff I've done on it.