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 *****). 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...

 

Yes

 

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.

 

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

 

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)