Looking at getting an 850! I am told these are great cars by a friend of mine who knows cars very well.

From what I've read so far, like any car, these have their issues (a/c issues, cooling system from time to time, etc)... but the engine and transmission are very very good, is that right?

I like european luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz (mostly) but they are not nearly as reliable in the 2-3 thousand dollar price range as what I'm told a Volvo is...

While I don't mind doing some repairs from time to time, I want something large, comfortable, well built and reliable. I'm under the impression these engines and transmissions will rack up the miles without a problem, whereas if you have a mid 90's Mercedes-Benz with 120k miles, the trans will more than likely go out soon. What can I expect out of an 850 with proper maintenance?

Any tips or suggestions when searching for a used 850, or any other Volvo suggestions are very welcomed, thank you!

 

If you read around on the site you'll find many stories of people that have 200K - 300K on a well maintained 850. Just do your homework and find out as much as possible about a car before you purchase.

 

Hi Matthew, welcome to VolvoForums.

A well maintained 850 can go 500,000 miles. Just keep the maintenance and repairs up and you'll be fine as long as you can do some work yourself.

 

I am familier with basics like oil changes, trans fluid & filter changes, shocks, tune-ups, cooling system, minor electrical, basically anything I can do with regular tools as long as i don't have to remove the engine or trans... with the exception of maybe the steering stuff, which i could have done by a mechanic. So, i think i would be okay.

 

Timing belt and PCV are two to add to the list quick. Easy to do just takes a little time.

 

okay, i should be able to handle those no problem.

I'm browsing some stuff just out of curiosity. Anybody know where to find chrome gauge rings for these cars? I'm having a hard time. Also, any drop-in speaker replacements or will i just have to use adapters? If that is the case, best adapters to buy?

Also wondering why crutchfield says you have to buy 2" DIN radio when the car looks like double DIN? And, who makes good "volvo" wheels? Any particular aftermarket company or replicas to go with? Replicas are fine, i had replica AMG's on a C-Class I had and I was pleased with those.

I am just now digging into the wonderful world of Volvo so I am basically clueless.

Thanks!

 

www.iPdUSA.com is a good place to start.

 

Great, thanks. I ended up finding that already by searching "Volvo accessories" ... I'll consider a grille, MAYBE... if i deem one worthy of looking OKAY, but i'm leaning toward stock.

I'll most likely repaint the trim to match the body, i'm just thinking about wheels at this point, and a good headlight upgrade (not lenses, just the lighting itself)...