Hello

This is my first time posting a thread in this forum. I do not own a volvo yet thats why I'm seeking for help and advice. i know that volvos are awesome cars, I owned a 1987 740 when i was in college. But I dont know anything about 850's. I was thinking of buying a 1996 850 glt for my wife so she can drive around safe with my kiddo, but i dont know how reliable or convenient it could be. I found this car, any tips and suggestions? I will appreciate it. I will soon be stationed in San Diego,CA so I will be driving from San Angelo, TX and hopefully it'll be in this car Here's the link...

1996 Volvo 850 Base, $4,995 - Cars.com

 

Amazing low miles on that one! It looks very clean.

Ask for maintenance records. (The ad says well maintained.) Make sure the timing belt is not more than 7 years old.

850s ride well, have adequate acceleration, and are solidly made. Take it for a test drive!

If money is a concern, you can find normal mileage, well-maintained 850s that will be just as satisfying for a lot less $. You could also consider 70 series ('98-'00).

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The best thing for you to do is read the Buyer's Guide in the HOT TOPICS sticky thread.

Personally, from the looks of the cosmetics, I've seen cars with over 150,000 miles in better shape. The antenna is broken, the dash pad is torn, tires are likely dry rotten, there is a hole in the rear bumper and I'm sure there is more, didn't take the time to look over the picture.

Also, I'm kinda afraid of cars with VERY LOW miles. They tend to have more problems than cars with normal to low miles because of all the sitting that has gone on. Cars are made to be driven. The only acception is for cars that has spent time in a garage, but clearly, that car has not. From sticky injectors, to sludge in the motor and fuel system, the low miles will deceive most.

At best, the car is worth $3,200 in my opinion, if you offer them that, they will likely bite. Test drive the car real good and be prepared to spend about $1,800 on maintenace right off the bat if you don't do maintenance yourself.
- Timing Belt.
- PCV System.
- Brake fluid flush.
- Maybe tires.

 

Well thanks a lot I will go and check on this car and like rspi said I will test drive it real good. I really appreciate all your suggestions. I will keep you posted!!! Thanks

 

check this one out!! its purple tho!! FML!! but it looks clean as !@#$! you guys are the judges!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...dle&listType=1




Heres another; http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...dle&listType=1

 

The S90 looks great and some will tell you that I think that is the best car Volvo ever made. Yes I'm still concerned about a car that has super low mileage, anything less than 5,000 miles per year is scary to me. If it was driven weekly it should be fine. I believe the S90 will be a lot cheaper to maintain, Volvo really had their rwd cars engineered right.

The V70 looks great but has a pretty low price. Has to be more to that story.

 

Are you checking AutoTradder & CraigsList?

 

I think they are high if they think they will get 5 grand for that car. I've seen 855 turbos that, while they have higher mileage, are in better shape for half that price. I paid $1700 for mine,and probably don't have 5 grand in it as it sits...that's after buying volans, tires, white injectors, ard tune,16t turbo, exhaust, snabb intake, msd ignition, doing the pcv, timing belt, tensioners, water pump, window tint, r wing, fog lights, side marker lights, window tint, etc.