I am looking for something reliable, but older/easier to work on since I am my own mechanic. Im greedy and want it all... high mpg, performance and storage room. I think I am leaning towards a mid 80's turbo wagon. Am I going in the right direction? Also is there a decent site with all the Volvo years and specs with mpg and horsepower etc.? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum.

1. Why go back that far?

2. You should be looking at the 850 wagons that are turboed. Either the turbo model, T5, T5-R and or R model. Also you should be looking into the 1998 V70 turbo, T5 and R models.

These are where your going to get the good performance from. As for MPG it is what it is. With a car this old and as old as you thought you wanted to go the MPG isn't going to be all that high. If you bring the car back up to par then it may increase some and should increase some.

https://volvoforums.com/m_38606/tm.htm

Take a look at this thread.

 

Agree with S70. Look for a turboed 850 or V70. Prices are reasonable.