hey boys and girls, i'm lookin to get an 850 WAGON to replace my ford expedition (total loss). did a search and it looks like you all are averaging anywhere from 16-30 mpg. i was wondering what i could be realistically looking to average if/when i purchase a 96/97 850 t5 in good condition doing mostly city driving. this is a BIG determinate as to whether i end up going with the 850 so your input is greatly appreciated.

also, any tips on what to look for as i search through these wagons?

thanks,
alex

 

well, i can tell you bout mine, and what i looked at

i have a 96 850 glt, 2.5L 20V 5cyl (non turbo). the first thing i looked at was the engine. it was pretty clean, givin the odo read at 118k. didnt look as if the engine had been removed (scratches or nicks on/around the motor mounts, so either it was never moved, or done really really well). the plug wires, hoses, electrical lines, terminals, shroud, fan, everything looked pretty good. of course, had to hear it run, to make sure there wasnt any unusual whines, ticks, knocks, or chirps.

then, i looked underneath, at the brakes, exhaust system, tranny, suspension, etc. everything looked pretty stock. aged, but not broken or leaking. also no signs leaks or drips. definate plus. the brake rotors looked worn, but the pads were fairly new.

test drive, for feel of the steering, accel, brakes, etc. it was the first volvo i had ever thought of buying, let alone driven. at first, the brakes kind of scared me. im used to a 01 dodge intrepid, very responsive, little pressure needed on the pedal. the volvo needed an effort to depress the brake pedal, and the accel for that matter, and almost felt like i had to stand on it for a response. i had the dealer look at them, and he replaced the front pads (at no extra cost). i talked to some other people, and i learned that the volvo is just that kind of system, stiffer than a newer american car. not a problem. the drive also rode kind of rough, more so than i expected from a car. again, just coming out of an 01 intrepid, was fearing the worst. again, informed that the foreign car is somewhat known to be a rougher ride. not a problem.

finally, i looked at the cosmetics. this to me is the least important. afterall, dont really matter how it looks, if it drives well. nothing $35 of spray paint cant fix . the paint was in decent shape. no rust, good color (not faded). had a few chips on the very front of the hood and front quarterpanels, but the carfax showed that the car had been used as a company car for a bank in texas. so i chalked it up to highway debris, such as rocks and big bugs. would also account for the mileage. the interior wasnt in bad shape either. dash, headliner, carpets, and door panels were in good shape. again, a company car for a bank, so wasnt abused by the everyday lifestyle. the leather seats were starting to age, probly again from the highway miles. worn, wrinkly, but no cracks or holes, and no evidence of smoking (cig lighter was not used, or replaced, and no burn marks on the seat or upholstry). all of the power accessories worked, except for the rear passenger window. the switch on the rear pass door worked, however, so it was just the driver control switch that was not functioning. no biggie.

before the final decision, i checked out the kelly blue book value of the car, and i was getting a great deal (about 1900 short of actual value, actually).

after a full 40 days of ownership, i love the car. the parts are expensive, or hard to find, however. but, its a car made in SWEEDEN, so it was somewhat expected....although i'll never get over the cost of new plugs and wires ($120) and a new headlight assembly ($135 PER SIDE). at 22-26 mpg, a full tank will last me more than week, sometimes more than 2. compared to the wifes intrepid, at 18-22, i brag

one last thing - this is something that actually had me confused longer than it should have, im embarassed to say. i noticed the radio/tape player (factory) had a 'cd' button. i looked in the owners manual, and the model had the option of a 6-disk changer. i pushed the button, and nothing happened. so either i didnt have one, or i didnt have the disk tray to put into the changer. i looked and looked, as i have never had a volvo, or a changer. finally asked somebody at the volvo dealership (was in for recall repairs, no cost), and he said if i had one, it would be in the cargo area, noticble. i looked it up on the web, and the panel in the rear has a bulge to accent the presence of a changer. so no, i didnt have one, but you may wanna look for it.

hope this was at least somewhat helpful.

 

thanks for all the info flamejet - i appreciate it,

alex

 

Turbo models are going to get less mileage in the city than the normally aspirated models. Expect anywhere from 16-20 in the city with a turbo depending on condition of car.

 

i'm really lookin to get 19 or more, otherwise it doesn't seem worth it to me. anyone else have any mpg numbers for me?

 

I have a 95 T5r and travel mostly on the highway. Without any tune-ups or major work besides the heated O2 sensors, I am maxed right about 23-24. It has 57,000 miles and is really good condition

 

EPA City is 19 and EPA Highway is 26 for the '95 2.3L Turbo. If the car is not properly maintained or driven with a lead foot the mileage will almost certainly be lower.