I saw black on black 1996 850R with tinted windows for around 9k + at the dealer today. I love the car, but I dont have the cash for it... What kind of factory performance parts does it have for the car?

 

Ah. That sounds like a good deal. Performance parts vary but some offer suspension springs, intakes, and other similar stuff. Nothing as extreme as ECU upgrades.

 

How many miles are on it? Mine is a 97 and had 140K on it when I bought it. I paid $6,500 plus another $1,000 for the wheels and tires. So I got an extra set of wheels and tires for $7,500. Unless it has real low mileage I think $9K is high for a 96 850 R. I just bought mine in June and found many with around 120K for between $6,500 and $7,500.

 

I wasnt sure how many miles on it, couldnt see due to the tint..

 

Are you considering financing this car for the future? The 850R is an excellent model.

 

Make sure that you finance extra money for immediate repairs that may be needed, e.g. brake pads and rotors, battery (go to Interstate Battery Center for OEM style case), change (not flush) ATF, front O2 sensor, change coolant, thermostat, etc.

You will love driving an 850R.

 

I agree. The 850R is rare, excellent for modding, and can be very quick and fun to drive!

 

They are not that difficult to find though for a lot less than $9K. Then again if this car absolutley perfect with very low miles (like < 75K), it's well worth around $9K.

 

Why do you suggest changing the trans fluid rather than flushing it?
R.

 

Sorry, I did not include the quote in my previous queery.
R.

 

Its never happened to me, but I have heard horror stories of transmissions that had shifting problems and were flushed... and they did not work after the flush. The theory behind this is that the varnish built up in the tranny is actually providing the pressure for the fluid. When the varnish is flushed out the pressure drops and the tranny doesnt work. There is no way to tell if this will happen... but if you have trans issues now and feel it might be on the way out a full service flush is not going to solve your problem. Thats my take anyway.

 

Thanks for the reply. I have always used the 'flush' system ever since that procedure became available. Since the early 60's I could only drain the trans body but not the torque converter which was similar to not changing the oil filter when you changed the oil.....you still had contaminated oil. When the ability to totally flush the trans became available, I jumped for it and truly believe in that method. Now the caveat. I change transmission fluid every two years and so I do not experience 'shellac' as you mentioned. The fellow who was considering the used 850 may well get a 100,000 mile "non flushed' trans and so I can see the wisdom of your reply. Good to hear your comments on the Forum.
R.

 

Because of the horror stories that I've read -- I have decided to drain the ATF, instead of flush. Because I am unable to drain all of the fluid, I plan to drain ATF again within the next couple of months. I want the fluid to appear fresh red on the dipstick, not burnt brown as it was before the first drain.

 

I have a 96 850R (black). The price to me seems a little high, but it depends on what it has and the mileage. I just sold mine for $3500--mine needs 5 tires, the paint is faded and the ABS is shot and needs to be replaced ($1200). This vehicle could be brought to excellent condition for about $2200. It has about 140K miles and has been an absolute great car (with the exception of the ABS which has been a problem since day one and for some reason the "real" problem was not acknowledged until out of warranty). Anyway, it is quick, fun and classy and above all...it's a VOLVO!