Hi all,
Just joined the forum! I'm a former VWAG owner, current Saab owner and am thinking of picking up a Volvo? Kinda tired of naturally aspirated engines and I'm looking to get into something with turbo. I found a '95 850 for sale yesterday and its in OK condition. Popped the hood but couldn't quite tell if it was turbo, if it was, its in a different place than the Saab and the VW which are both pretty obvious. Is there any other way to tell if its Turbo without being under the hood? I know on Saabs the 8th # in the VIN tells you whether its turbo and whether its a HOT or LOT. Is there any way to tell from the VIN on a Volvo? I didn't see any boost gauge in the gauge bezel and theres no trim badge on the back. Is it true that both the T-5 and the base models come with Turbo? Are Volvo turbo engines and picky as Saabs? I know in Saab turbos they recommend that the oil be changed no more than every 2,000 miles, theres a sludge problem with the engine and piston issues. Can anyone help me out?

 

the only answer i can give you is on sludge.

From my understanding saabs are some of the worst on sludge and volvos are some of the absolute best.