give me some pros and cons, thanks.

 

Pros:
Well built solid cars
when maintained will run forever
easy to work on
great online community for help or information on the car
Usually well priced for what you get
Good on fuel when driven mannered

Cons:
you may become addicted to volvo (is that a con? haha)

Aftermarket parts are readily available and Priced OK, breaking down on any road trip wouldn't be any different in any car. for example if you drove to another country were in a small town and stupidly broke your own radiatior by fault of your own worst case scenario would be a tow truck and a wait for parts to arrive hahahaha, (or fix it yourself like some cheap asses do, that's kinda an inside joke if ya read other threads haha)

Mike

 

Lets set the table. Are you performing the work? If so the 850 would be a great vehicle to embark into the Volvo community.It has a bulletproof reliability and safety other marques strive to attain. You are in good company.

 

I favor the 850 over the V70. Get a turboed modeland have fun with it.

 

Great statement, I agree fully.

 

good point

 

First and foremost, whichever you get, either be 100% sure the timing belt has been replaced (and when) or get it done.
Borked belt normally = borked head.
Only other things to have an eye on is the rear main oil seal, and the condition of the automatic.

As far as I know these are the only three big dollar items that will make an 850/V/S series uneconomical to repair

As far as ford goes, 99-01 is their 'best' *choke cough splutter choke* period. Research throttle sensor on MVS.