Hey guys! I'm new to the forums and I was hoping I could have a few questions answered. I recently got rid of my truck I had for the last 5 years and I've been searching for a new car. I came across a guy looking to sell a 1996 850R with 143k miles on it. He says the car is 100% mechanically sound with only a few minor scratches on the exterior here and there and the car was extremely well taken care of by him and the previous owner(only 2 owners). He says about 3000 miles ago he replaced the shock mounts, the heater core, and the front wheel bearings and changed all 4 tires. What I'm wondering is with 143k miles on it how reliable do you think the car would be for me? From what I'm hearing it's pretty expensive to fix a Volvo. I don't make that much money so if the car was to break down I would have a tough time fixing it. From what I have read Volvo's tend to go for awhile but since this car is an 850R and its turbo charged and all would it have more tendencies to not be as reliable?
What do you think is a good price to pay for this car assuming it is 100% mechanically sound? I think it would be awesome blowing the doors off of some of those Honda Civics and what not. I appreciate you taking the time to read this thread and hopefully answer my questions.

 

You want to blow the doors off Mustangs and Corvettes not friggin Civics. Trust me the 850R will do it. My 94 850 Turbo ran neck and neck with my 1980 Porsche 911SC.

96 850R with 143K on it is worth about $4500. Try and get it for around $4,000 and that's a good deal. My 95 has 163K on it and the 97 has 191K and both run great. The turbo does not add anything in the way of maintenance or take away from the reliability. They can be expensive to work on, but if you can turn a wrench you can find out how to do most anything yourself by searching this and other forums.

BUY IT - YOU WON'T BE SORRY

 

Man I think I might do it. The guy wants 4700$ for so if I can talk him down to 4000$ I'll be set. The only reason I say civics is because their is an overwhelming number of them in the town I'm in and they all think they're hot stuff. I assume I should take it to a mechanic before I purchase it to make sure its 100% sound. Also, would I need special tools to work on it since it's a Swedish car and I'm in America?

 

850's are Very reliable, though that is as long as they are kept up! Meaning, follow your maintenance and the car should be good. I have owned a few Jap. cars and Volvos are on par with reliability, plus it's a Volvo. You know its going to be safe! This site http://www.fcpgroton.com/ most on here use for parts. Most of the time they are the same price as most parts store (sometimes cheaper) and you know you are getting the proper OEM parts, AND WAY cheaper that going to the dealer! They do back their parts too, so no worries there. Here's a link for a tread on here on general maintenance https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/new-volvo-850-owners-read-important-thread-also-applies-s-v70s-9266/ . 850's are GREAT cars. They are solid,great performance, sometimes you can call them (r model) sleepers and of course safe. I would look thru the forum and check thru the many 850 threads and see what people say.... I don't think you will be sorry with the car, I know I am not with mine!

 

I would either walk in with 4k cash or have a check made out for that and put it in front of the owner! I bet he takes it...............

 

A pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic that knows Volvos is well worthe cost. Make sure he knows Volvos even it means taking it to a dealer or an independent Volvo shop. When he give you the report back you will have bargaining power. They will deifinitely find something wrong. Let's face it the car is 13 years old with over 140K on the clock.

By the way it was due for a timing belt change at 140K. If it has not been done that is the very first thing you need to do. You do NOT want the timing belt to break cause it messes up the head and possibly even worse. That is actually the main thing to do with these cars is the timing belt every 70K or five years whichever comes first. Have them do idlers and pulleys too. Most people do them every other belt.

 

OMG i want an R soooo bad lol they are hard to find. I have a 96 850 GLT and i luv it to death, as so does everyone else. Its super fun and reliable so get it. Especially if its an R and if you dont then i will lol Seriously