I have owned 2 bmws and an audi! All of which have has serious problems. I looked at and test drove a 1994 non turbo 850 with 127k. 4 speed auto. The car drove fine. Had the "low coolant" light come on a few times when I floored it, which I assumed is because it has low coolant lol. When turning right it seems as if the steering wheel has a little bit of a lose area, where the steering wheel doesn't recoil as it should. Other than that it seemed perfect. The dealer is asking 2300 for it. So my question is, What should I check particularly before buying? any tips or pointers are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Find out if the timing belt as been replaced recently check to see if has service records, look for oil, coolant leaks underneath....all I can think of at the moment....oh and if you buy it i just want to let you know that you made the right choice and you'll probably never go back!!!

 

Hi and welcome to the site.

Here is a buyer's guide. It has a lot of good info.
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...s-guide-13678/

Top 5 things:
1. Last timing belt change. Most change the belt, rollers and water pump. No way of knowing if the other items were changed but if it's noisy up there, you should expect to change all of it.

2. PCV service. These cars have a breather system that gets clogged and blow seals like cam and RMS. When the car is warm and running, you can pull the oil dip stick and see if smoke comes out. Smoke means it needs to be done.

3. Service records. Nice to know if oil has been changed regularly, etc.

4. Transmission fluid color and odor. It will likly be brownish but NOT smell burnt. It should shift smoothly.

5. Mounts. There is one up top that should not be torn through, one behind the passenger side front tire. May have to pull the wheel and pull back the skirt to see it. The lower bolt should not be resting on rubber.

If you are handy, I really would not encourage you to purchase an old 850, they can get expensive at the shop.

If the ODO doesn't move it's likely broke and the car may have twice the miles on it. You can read the miles on the car with it's built in ODO-I computer port that is next to the ECU & Window Washer fluid fill port. The instructions on how to do that is in the 850 DIY thread.

If you like to drive and want to have fun, get a turbo model. They are fast and just as reliable as the NA models.

The NA cars have a high compression motor 10.0:1 and should run on high octane fuel, 91+. I run it in mine unless I'm cruising long distance at 70 mph like on a road trip. However, last time I did that I popped a O2 sensor code.

 

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What he said.