I am looking for a 850 for my wife. What are the best years for this model and what are things to look for when buying this model. I own a 244 and a 745Ti, but know nothing about the front wheel drive 850.

Thanks for any help and insight,

RedBrick

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fap_su.../ph//my_photos

 

97 was probably the best year. Also the 98 S70 is pretty much the same car and is a very good year. They are known to have problems with oil leaks and the evaporator goes bad on them. It's better than $1000 to replace the evaporator. Also make sure the timing belt is changed every 70K. If it hasn't been done recently, be safe and have it done. Nothing wrong with the 94 through 96 models either. 93 was the first year, so I would probably stay away from those. Even if it's for your wife I would still look for a turbo model or a T5R or an R if you can find one. In 94 and 95 the turbo was called simply 850 Turbo, 95 was the only year for the T5R and it only came in black and yellow. In 96 and 97 the T5R became the R and the Turbo became the T5 and they also offered a low pressure turbo model and called it the GLT. You can tell what model it is by the 6th and 7th position of the VIN.

58 = R or T5R
57 = Turbo or T5
56 = Not sure, but I think low pressure turbo
55 = Non Turbo, again not sure of this one.

When I'm buying one I look for 58 or 57.

Hope this helps.

 

Agreed... r213faq

If you care anything about performance, shop for a VIN 57 VIN 58 850 or a VIN 53 S70. Model year 1995 and some 1996, have ODB-I. Most model year 1996 and 1997 have ODB-II.

If you are concerned about mileage, then have your local friendly neighborhood dealership perform a visual inspection and an engine compression test (about $130). At least, perform a cooling system leakdown test. I placed the pump at the cooling system reservior tank. Be careful that it doesn't fly off under pressure. There shouldn't be any leaks at 18 psi.

Find your Volvo on-line...
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com -- on-line listings from classified ads of local newspapers
http://www.craigslist.com -- click on on-line classified ads from your city

Utility for searching gov't records...
http://www.carfax.com

Utility for identifying model year, make, model, trim of vehicle...
http://vin.stronghold.com

10th position of VIN indicates model year...
S - 1995
T - 1996
V - 1997
W - 1998

4th position of VIN determines sedan/wagon...


5th and 6th position of VIN indicated engine code...
53 - MY98 S70 T5 with turbo
55 - MY93-97 850 with DOHC 2.4L I5 with no turbo
56 - MY97 850 GLT with DOHC 2.4L I5 with small turbo at 6 psi
57 - MY93-97 850 Turbo with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi
58 - MY95-97 850 R with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi (10.5 for initial 20 secs)

Pre-purchase check list...
Coolant system leakdown test will identify possible problem with head gasket
Engine compression test will identify possible problems with piston rings or head valves
Visual Inspection from Volvo Dealership ($130) will verify over-all condition of car

Maintenance items to expect to be addressed immediately after purchase...

1) Brake Pads and Rotors
In my experience, OEM pads only last 25K miles. Rotors must be replaced, they can't be turned.

2) ATF (Dexron-III) will be black.
I would not power flush, in fear that debris will break loose and cause problems.

Here are procedures that I used to drain and fill...
https://volvoforums.com/m_25657/tm.htm

Best option is to purchase ATF DIY flush kit from
http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.as...549&RootID=629

This does NOT apply to 1999 and newer Volvo(s) which have AW55-50/51SN transmission. This transmission requires Mobil/Volvo JWS 3309. It is not synthetic. It is expensive -- $18/quart.

3) Do NOT use power steering fluid. Our systems use Dexron-III.

4) Volvo no longer sells 87C/190F thermostat. Do NOT use OEM 90C/195F, purchase 87C/190F Wahler from
http://www.fcpgroton.com

Here are procedures that I used to replace thermostat and ECT...
https://volvoforums.com/m_16392/tm.htm


5) Misc.
-- purchase a hydraulic jack to lift front of car for oil changes
-- purchase a pair of jack stands (place on engine sub-frame)
-- purchase a package of aluminum crush washers for oil drain plug
-- purchase a magnetic oil drain plug from FCPGroton (optional)
-- purchase one aluminum crush washer for ATF drain plug

 

Thanks for the great information and I appreciate it very much. Like I said I know the RWD Volvos, but know nothing about FWD and I surely do not want to make her mad at me for getting something that is always at the dealer for repair...ouch!!!! I am looking for something with the mileage around 75,00 to 100,000 to try and be as safe as I can. She only drives about 6,000 miles a year.

Thanks again for all of the help,
RedBrick

 

RedBrick, you live in Columbus? I live up in Sunbury and work over near Tuttle mall.

 

I live in Reynoldsburg and am semi-retired. I have a 92 244 (89,000) which is a show car and covered up in the garage and have a 1992 745Ti (106,000) which is a daily driver.

My wife hates Volvos....bad experience long time ago...and our daughter is getting married in Sept and we are giving her our one owner 97 Honda with 73,000, thus looking for a daily driver for my wife.

She is very concerned about the leg room and seating comfort. She drives about 22 miles a day and is very concerned about safety also. She has been hit in the side before and is a bit skidish now.

I know how to maintain the B230F and B230FT engines and trans, but know nothing about front wheel drive Volvos. Can't be that difficult, but want to make sure I know everything possible before buying a car for her.

Thanks for everones help

RedBrick

If you get a chance, take alook at the the below two links and see if I am on the right track for a purchase

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

 

Any 850s you're looking at?

 

I have never bought a car of e-bay, but they look like good cars. I was looking on AutoTrader yesterday and found a white 97 850 with 79K on it out in Cambridge, OH which would not be too far for you to go look at it. I just can't buy a car without looking at it first. I've gone as far as 200 miles to look at a car and didn't buy it. If it's further than that, I find somebody to do a pre-purchase inspection prior to buying and still have an out when I go to get it.

Do a search on AutoTrader for 850 GLT's, T5 and T5R's 1997 and you will find it. I tried to post the link, but it made the thread too wide to look at. It's a T5 white with beige interior. I really like the 97 and 98's better than 99.

 

I have talked with the guy in Cambridge, but she hates the white color!!!! She is making it difficult.

Thanks
RedBrick

 

Reasons to purchase 1998 S70 T5 or 1993-1997 850 Turbo/T5/R...

1) Automatic Trans uses regular Dexron-III, instead of expensive $18/quart non-synthetic Mobile 3309
2) Basic single coil ignition, instead of coil-packs
3) Accelerator Pedal is connected to throttle body, instead of "Drive-by-wire"
(Do a Google Search on Volvo Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) for more info)
4) Spare Ignition Key is cheaper to cut, no electronic chip on key

Probably many more reasons that I am not aware of.

 

It's kind of funny, Robert and I both have white. His has beige interior and mine has charcoal. Call Byers Volvo. They called me Friday and told me they had something and I think it was an 850. I left my name with them when my son was looking, but he already bought a 97 V70 R. We drove to Nashville to get it.

My son in-law's step father told me he say a blue Volvo for sale by a private owner off of Orange Road in Lewis Center. I'll go to work that way tomorrow morning and see if I see it. It's not really too far out of my way.