Having never before considered a Volvo, I found one for a decent price and I'm definitely giving it new thought. I'm looking at a 1994 850 with about 180k miles. It's a 5-speed standard sedan, non-turbo, in (mechanically) decent condition. After taking it for a drive and looking it over, here's what I've noticed:

- Heater: only works at speed 4, makes HORRIBLE spinning/knocking/grinding noise, sounds like the motor/fan assembly is way out of whack, however it does produce heat just fine

- Hood: latch seems to be broken? There's a little hook sticking out of the grille that the owner uses to pull it open... seems odd, but it works

- Driver's side mirror: broken; casing is there but lens is falling out, duct-taped at the moment =P

- Headlights: one seems temperamental, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't; probably needs a new bulb, or is it something worse? is it hard to work on?

Here's the listing: http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/1552339124.html

So, of the problems I've noted, what are your thoughts? Worth fixing? About how much might parts cost? Is the heater a DIY job? I'm not a mechanic, but I'm no stranger to the underside of a dash.

After the drive, I noted two things: it handles beautifully, and it's one of the most comfortable cars I've driven. The guy is willing to take $1100 or so for it, but repairs (heater is most important at the moment) can't go much higher than $4-500 on my budget. What do you all think?

 

don't sound like big problems to me but I'd wait for someone who's experienced them before commenting on ease and cheapness of repair

The hood release is a little hook that pops out through the grille. That's standard unless your one is bodged up a bit.

Sounds like a decent deal

 

The hood latch costs less than $10 and you can replace it in under 2 minutes.

The headlight...it might be a loose connection. When I changed the bulbs on my '94, one of the wire plugs literally disintegrated in my hands.

Other things that you need to consider/check:
- check the engine number, or the manufacture date of the car - you really want it to be past April 1994, because the models prior to it use the 93 hardware which is a bit quirky.
- timing belt - when was it done?
- PCV system - ask the owner, and also pull out the dipstick - is there smoke?
- check for leaks, if it has a leaking rear main seal, you can easily spot it. just drive the car for 15 minutes park it and look under it after a few minutes.

- check the seat recliner - it is common for the cable to break and the seat stops reclining. Not a deal breaker though...

Good luck!

 

As for the PCV system, pull the dip stick while the car is running. Smoke comes out if it is plugged up.

Sounds like a fair deal to me. Double check the manufacture date.

 

I would agree, this car does not sound like it would be much work to get it all straightened out. I would get it if I were you.