850 Turbo DD?
 

Hello everyone. I am new to Volvo's but definately not cars or forums! I need to sell my turbo Eclipse and was looking into picking up something that is a good DD and very reliable (and also has some balls). I have been reading up on this model of Volvo but I wanted to hear some real peoples oppinions. So what do you think? Is a Volvo 850 Turbo with 81K on it for 4900 a good buy as in reliability and power wise? Thanks ya'll...

RE: 850 Turbo DD?
 

Yes

RE: 850 Turbo DD?
 

The Volvo 850 is a wonderful car. Just remember that these cars are older, but they are very reliable as long as you take care of them. I see them come into our shop with 400,000 miles on them and usually just needs regular maint.

RE: 850 Turbo DD?
 

Hi,

Welcome to the forum!

Make sure that the timing belt has been replaced at 70,000 miles or within the last 5 years.

Refer to the following thread:
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

I've posted some common maintenance that the 850 generally requires. This may give you some ideas as to what to expect.

I wish you luck finding a nice 850.


JPN

RE: 850 Turbo DD?
 

If you care anything about performance, shop for a VIN 57 VIN 58 850 or a VIN 53 S70. Model year 1995 and some 1996, have ODB-I. Most model year 1996 and 1997 have ODB-II.

If you are concerned about mileage, then have your local friendly neighborhood dealership perform a visual inspection and an engine compression test (about $130). At least, perform a cooling system leakdown test. I placed the pump at the cooling system reservior tank. Be careful that it doesn't fly off under pressure. There shouldn't be any leaks at 18 psi.

Find your Volvo on-line...
http://lycos.indianapolis.oodle.com/cities
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com -- on-line listings from classified ads of local newspapers
http://www.craigslist.com -- click on on-line classified ads from your city
http://www.backpage.com/classifieds/index
http://www.us.buysell.com/brand/ustrader/splash.aspx

Utility for searching gov't records...
http://www.carfax.com

Utility for identifying model year, make, model, trim of vehicle...
http://vin.stronghold.com

10th position of VIN indicates model year...
S - 1995
T - 1996
V - 1997
W - 1998

4th position of VIN determines sedan/wagon...


5th and 6th position of VIN indicated engine code...
53 - MY98 S70 T5 with turbo
55 - MY93-97 850 with DOHC 2.4L I5 with no turbo
56 - MY97 850 GLT with DOHC 2.4L I5 with small turbo at 6 psi
57 - MY93-97 850 Turbo with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi
58 - MY95-97 850 R with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi (10.5 for initial 20 secs)