Hi all...

i'm thinking of picking up a solid '95 850 wagon(bare bones auto, 200K miles) for short money to use as my winter ride.

I searched a bit, but couldn't really find any info on how a non-traction control model performs in the snow. I would be outfitting it with very agressive snow tires and possibly even studs. I would be used on plowed roads mostly with occasional runs in maybe no more than 6" unplowed.

Anyone have any advice or real life experience?

 

We have an 850R with traction control but even without it I can tell you it's all about the tires. Get the most aggressive you can but be aware of the consequences with the loss of good dry road handling with snows. We use the Nokia's on our 850 and 740 and they seem to be fine in our upstate NY winters.

 

Yeah, I've driven my 850 in the past several winters with no accidents or incidents at all. Although I have traction control. I think even with out traction control the car will be completely fine. Obviously remember it's winter, anticipate all your moves.

 

These cars do quite well in the winter. TRACS helps, but it's not the end- all... good tires, winter mode on the transmission, and you're set as long as you don't drive like an idiot.