I have recently bought my first car (a '97 850 wagon) and i just have a few questions that i was hoping could be answered by more experienced volvo-ers.

1) my transmission is a bit jerky (its an auto)- is there anything i can do to improve that?

2) is there anything I can do to improve the overall life of the car? i want it to last me for a long time.

3) I've heard that from 1997 onwards, volvo began making their cars with cheaper parts, and the life of these cars is therefore decreased. Is there any truth to this?

Thanks guys!

 

Comgrats on your new ride.1. Check the level of your transmission fluid. If it doesn't look & smell like tranny fluid, do a fluid drain & refil. Better yet, service it anyway unless you know it was properly done within the last 10,000 miles. You can find instructions in the DIY sticky. Also, your mounts, especially your lower tranny mount.2. Yes, fix stuff that is worn and/or broken, take care of maintenance items, don't dog it out. Remember, you have a 14 year old car, that's 85 in people years. 3. That is NOT true. The fact that you just picked up a 14 year old car & expect it to last a LONG time proves it.Have fun!

 

Many people actually think 1998 was the best year for Volvos. 1999 - 2001 are the years I try and stay away from. I have 97 850 R Sedan with 225K on it and it's running fine. Just have to maintain them properly.