Hi, first post here. Hoping to join the community with the purchase of an 850 R wagon.

I just missed out on a great one But what do you know, I came across another one. This one has some significant mods, but the price is also much more...

The car is listed as 1995 Volvo 855 T5 wagon w/ 3rd seat with 127k
Modifications: ipd software, exhaust, springs, and boost gague. Newer timing belt, serpintine belt, tires, and lifters. Upgraded rotors and brake pads.

Exterior - nice with no dents and a few small scratches
Interior good - some wear on drivers bolster

Asking price is $7200

I really like the car, but the price seems kind of high. Hoping to gain some insight from the wise ones Is this price fair?

Thanks in advance!

 

Hi, welcome to the forum.

The only thing I know about the price on 850 is that $7200 is more than very top-end value. Even with the performance parts, I am not sure if the car is worth the money. For that price, everything should be ready for another 100,000 miles without major repair, including the A/C evaporator (except the timing belt, which has to be replaced at every 70,000 miles/5 years).

Here's some info:
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...-volvo-850.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/volvo/850/review.html

Wait till others reply, as they would know better than I do in terms of price. Sorry couldn't be of better help.


JPN

 

Extremely high.

When KBB gives out prices, its assuming everything is in good shape. No mod is going to add value to your car, and this is a prime example. Getting better parts, only helps the car retain value.

4-5 grand at the most. And that might even be a stretch..

Edit: Where are you from?

 

Well first of all there was no T5 in 95 so we need to know if this car is a Turbo or a T5R? The T5 took the place of the Turbo in 96 and 97 and the T5R became the R. Look at the VIN number and the 6th and 7th position will tell if it's a T5R or a Turbo. 57 is the Turbo and 58 is the T5R. If it's a T5R it will either be black or yellow since they were the only colors made in 95 as the T5R.

If you find a yellow T5R wagon in excellent condition I wold pay the $7,200 for it even though the KBB PrivateParty value is only $5,700 and the suggested retail value is exactly $7200. There were only about 25 of them imported to the US. I think I would only give about $6500 for a black one.

Now if it's a Turbo (not T5R) the KBB Private Party value is $5150 in excellent condition and the retail value is $6550. My daughter and son in law just bought one in burgundy with a grey interior with 137K on it for $3,000. It needed quite a bit of work which will total to about another $2,000 and that's with him doing the work. It needed tires,an evaporator, a timing belt and a general tune up. I would probably call that one in fair condition when they bought it. Finding a car that old in what is classified "Excellent" condition is very hard to do. From your description I would call the car "Good" and would probably only give about $$4600 for it. You can definitely find one for that price, but it might take a while.

My KBB prices are based on Ohio and, as RedTurbo850 stated, the prices vary by location.

Here's my suggestion: Go to AutoTrader and E-Bay Motors and find all the cars you can comparable to the car you are looking at. Lay them out on an Excel spreadsheet or just list them on a sheet of paper with all the important information. Take that with you when bartering for the car. Let them know what the car is actually worth and see what you can get it for. You have to be prepared to walk away though if you can not get it for a reasonable price.

Here is the Excel spread sheet I just got done using when buying my daughter's 95 850 Turbo wagon:

Wow that didn't work too good. PM me your e-mail if you would like me to send it to you.

 

Seems high....dont rush into one though,do alot of homework, and wait there is always someone selling one. somewhere. these cars are rare, and even more rare to find one in good condition, it took me 3 months to find my 96R and it was 2000 miles away from me. Also take into account that no matter what 850 you buy it is going to need repairs and maintance no matter what the owner says, and that adds up rather quickly, you wouldent want to pay all that money and have your car sit cuz you cant afford to fix it, you know.

Dont be affraid to ask ALOT of questions, all the people here are really cool.

Goodluck

~Jb

 

Thanks so much for the information!

It looks like this is the turbo model and not the T5R...

Also what is the deal with it being called an 855 and not an 850?

 

Yeah they call the 850's diffrent names:

FYI

850 wagon= 855
850 sedan= 854

 

>Also what is the deal with it being called an 855 and not an 850?
855 is the wagon and 854 is the sedan I recall? I believe the last digit implies to the number of doors (though I wonder if the rear gate is considered a "door").

Yes, as someone noted, do not rush into getting one. Take your time, know your possible buy and then you can bargain better.

I hope you find a good 850 and come back.

Good luck,


JPN

 

Same message posted twice. Removed the redundant message.


JPN