I am looking at purchasing an 850 sedan. What are the primary issues with these cars? Anything I should look for? I would prefer a manual any major problems? How many miles is too many on these engines? Thanks Derek

 

These engine will last 300,000 miles easy.
They have evaperator problems,ABS module problems,That is most of it for the Majors.

The rest is manit. repairs.

But don't let that hold you from buying one they are Awesome cars.

 

My 93 850 5-speed, non turbo, has 220k on it, and The ONLY thing you could fault mine for is the leather on the drivers seat has one little split in it about 1.5 inches long. It was dealer serviced. I feel that 30mpg average, isn't bad mileage for a safe and well built car. Thats a mixture of city and highway - but mostly city, driving.
Cranky

 

I have owned my '97 850 Turbo a little over 4 weeks now. No real surprises, so far. I will need to have automatic transmission fluid flushed. I will need to replace brakes pads and rotors. Typical things that I would expect with a car with over 100K miles.

The five cylinder engine is very quiet and smooth.

It has been fun discovering the little engineering secrets like...
1) On the trunk deck, a door handle release is concealed above the license plate. Turning the key in the door lock will not open trunk deck like on non-european cars.
2) I was not able to open fuel filler door during the first visit to the gas station. I learned that the fuel filler door locks and unlocks with the passenger side doors.
3) On the driver's door lock, turn the key to the left once unlocks the driver's door -- twice unlocks all passenger doors.

On U.S. spec 850(s), you will not be able to find a high-pressure turbo with a 5-speed transmission. Only 1997 850 GLT with low-pressure turbo can be found with a 5-speed.

Model year is found in 10th position of VIN -- "V" is 1998
Engine Cd is found in 5th and 6th position -- "55" 2.4L I-5 non-turbo, "56" 2.4L I-5 LPT, "57" 2.4L I-5 HPT.
Transmission Cd is not found in U.S. spec VIN.

 

Robert, when you unlock all the doors from the drivers door or with the remote, that should unlock the trunk and the gas filling door. If it's not working on your car put the key in the trunk lock and try turning it the other direction. Mine always unlocks from the door lock or the remote. For some reason I remember it not working on my 94 one time and it was because somebody had locked the trunk so it would not work of the door locks. I could be wrong though.

 

Thanks alot for the replies guys. Looking forward to becoming an 850 owner. Derek