I thinking of getting another volvo wagon this time, either a 240 or a 850.

I see the 850 was made for 4 years and there seema to be a lot of 240's.

When it comes to getting parts, is it easier to get replacement parts for the 850 or the 240?

If you were going to rate the 240 and the 850 in a comparison how would you rate them for reliability, maintainability and over all ride. Is one much better than the other?

 

After owning 2 240s, an 850, and currently a 740 turbo, I'll say this:

Reliability: Late 90's 240 all the way
Repair-ability: Any 240, the 850 has an interference engine with less space, and the 850s interior is a bit of a chore to work on, changing the odometer gear alone requires removing the entire top of the dash. The 240s MUCH easier, this this case.

Ride quality: 240, the 850 is stiffer with a rough front suspension, the 850 handles much better but, the 240 will go further with mods.

Conclusion? Buy a Volvo 940 and enjoy a few of the upsides of the 850 (more modern ride, more solid interior, better corrosion protection) all the while enjoying the 240s dependable drivetrain, and the good ol' redblock.

 

the 850 was made for more than 4 years, it just was rebranded the S70/V70 in 1998, these continued for 3 more years before they were revised.

I've owned 240, 850, 960, S90, 940, 740 cars... I went backwards from the 850 to my current 740T wagon. the 850 had a rather harsh ride yet didn't handle that great (massive understeer, significant 'torque steer' inherent in FWD). the 850T had way more raw power and acceleration, but the 740T moves just fine. my 850 had a LOT of interior rattles, I'd fix one and 3 more would pop up.

 

My 850 had an amazing ability to melt and warp its interior, ever see a passenger airbag cover deform into a potato chip-like shape?

The handling comments are correct, despite the "sporty racy" image Volvo tried to pass with the 850, its less Audi and more Pontiac Grand Prix. Very front heavy, stiff, not at all sporty.

The 4-wheel steering is a nice touch, but in reality doesn't do that much (Volvo even patented the design but never used it again), the 850 gets its turning radius by the power of its compact transmission.