I just bought a 96 850 wagon (base model). It has 150,000 miles on it. I am at minimum 3rd owner. Second owner had it for 5 years, and I have the maintenance records. Timing/pump done at 112,000; rotors seem to have been done 2-3 times by previous owner. I was told that Volvo's burn some oil and this is normal. The Trac and abs light are always on, but was told codes checked ok, and this was a common problem with this car. Odometer stopped at 144,000- was also told this is common.
Sorry for the rambling, but what do I need to check regurlarly to keep it going another 150,000. Also, are there any good internet stores to buy parts?
Thanks; and I look forward to everyone's feedback.

 

Welcome. I would do a little searching and reading on here if you haven't done so yet. That question is asked quite frequently and you will find a lot information about regular and preventive maintenance.

As for online stores. FCP Groton for maintenance parts and IPDUSA.com for performance parts.

 

The odometer is a common issue, and fairly easy to fix for about $40. The TRACS and ABS lights on mean you most likely have a bad ABS module. There is a fellow who rebuilds them , or you will have to get a new one.

To keep it going, a good rule of thumb is check all the fluids once a week minimum, change the oil and filter every 3000 to 5000 miles, and stay on top of any problems before they become major issues

 

Congrats on a great purchase. I bought my 96 850 wagon with 136K and have driven it hard for 81K + she burns oil now but I put the pedal right to the floor many times on my 150 rnd trip mile commute to work. I still can't believe the car has over 215K on her and everything is tight and smooth (even the struts seem too good, where did Volvo buy these things) except for the oil use, now. My odometer stopped at 169K when I tried to reset the trip Odometer to figure my gas milage. As old and as hard as I drive the car she still gets 24-25 MPG in Florida with the AC on alot.

I'm thinking about rebuilding the engine because I love the car. Pay close attention to service, normal stuff like timing belt, oil, every oil change remove and clean the PCV valve(flame trap as Volvo calls it) It's in the back of the plastic elbow that connects to the thottle body.

If your like me (I swore I'd never own a brick) you'll be sold. Enjoy.

Bob

 

Welcome to the Club. Don't let the threads scare you, most of our cars have very little problems.

Check the sticky thread, the PCV system is a good thing to check. Keep the oil changed and have fun driving.

 

Congrats I bought a 96 850 wagon with 97k on it 6 months ago and its a fast cadillac!! 5 speed, power everything for $1700....plenty of smiles to go, am second owner I think,,and I think a tranny mount is about gone, will fix inthe spring...too much going on...Rog

 

Welcome...I just purchased a '96 850 wagon back in August with 155k on it. Had to do a few things like replace the heater core, new rear brakes, CV boots and radiator flush. Very easy car to work on and parts (so far) haven't been that expensive. Have put on over 5k on it since buying it and she runs like a champ! The guys on this forum are great a great resource for answering questions.

 

I bought a 96 850 T5 Auto estate (wagon as you call it ) here in the UK a few weeks back. It cost me 250 GBP--At current exchange rates its about $400. 212, 000 with 6 months tax and ministry test still on it. Apart from minor scuffs on the bumper corners its pretty good, and its the CD model--full leather etc. Its very tight and quiet for the mileage--but the previous owner spent a fortune on it over the last 10 years so I have new brakes etc. One thing I did do was a full transmission oil change and its improved the smoothness a lot. I made my own top engine stay rubber from a keel rubber from a boat trailer--about $4 and 10 times better than the Volvo part which was in pieces. I'm currently making sure that the PCV system is breathing ok as I have a slight oil leak( I think from the rear engine oil seal area --looks like its been leaking a bit for ever). If I suspect crankcase pressurisation I'm going to "T" into the cambox breather pipe and run out under the central cover by the HT leads and fit my own breather bottle/catchtank----replacing the Volvo part seems to be a nightmare, with the possibility of it clogging again!
ps its does go rather well with surprisingly flat cornering, and fuel consumption is not bad for a brick.
Regards, CB

 

If it's plugged I would still replace it, adding a catch can doesn't take place of the PCV system, it simply just helps it. The PCV's on these cars is just regular maintenance, unfortunately, but they're not that hard to replace.