I am looking at a 93 850GLS with 113k on it. Itis located about 4 hours away and I am told that it has no issues. The car fax comes out above average with nothing major and by the pics it looks great. My concern is is that I read about transmission issues and timing chain failures and need to ask what I should be looking for. I am a ok back yard mechanic and have done some major stuff on my Mazda 626 so...... May need to say yes/no later today so help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

if the timing belt has been changed, pcv serviced, body in great condition, you can flush the tranny as soon as you get it.pictures would be of great help.may be you could post up a link so that we can take a lookk at the car.just cant say yes or no without seeing pictures.you feel me?LOL

 

l learnt that 93 models had problems because that was when the 850s were introduced l think. but l think with good maintenance history you should be fine,

 

IMO the 850 line is best car volvo built but i would pass on the 1993 MY.

It was the first year model for the 850 and they changed many things on the '94 for the better making the '93 kind of an orphan.

 

i think the 93 has a smaller timing chain (width) and they tend to break more offten... i think they recommend every 50k verses 60-70k on the 94+ and in my opinion a clean 94 or 95 in a similar price range can be found and they have a better look to them, and are a bit more plush with features.

 

Do find yourself a running 850 turbo. If you can do work on a Monzda, you'll love working on Volvo's.

 

Thanks to all. With this info in mind I am going to pass on the 93. I have a rusty (rockers) 02 Focus that I am driving now but it runs good so I am not in a rush. I love the Volvos and will continue my searching. Turbo sounds like a great idea ! Mazda's ZoomZoom with out the no room around the engine!

 

the 850s have much more room to work on.the turbo is fun to drive too.

 

All you need to really have ZOOM ZOOM in a Madza is add a bigger engine.
This is my RX7 with a chevy 454. That's 7.4L if you only speak metric. It doesn't corner that well but will almost outrun a radio on the freeway