I've owned 3 Volvo 240 DL's. One Wagon and 2 sedans at various times in the past. They've ALL treated me well and I've found easy to maintain. However, I'm currently considering an 850 Wagon 2.4L PFI DOHC 20V. The owner claims the car has just over 64000 miles, but the odometer is broken (is this broken odometer common?). Carfax report came back CLEAN, but the mileage read 64,000 in 2005. Owner claims it has been sitting. (His health is noticeably bad, so this is a possibility).

A year ago, the insurance company installed a used engine (original equipment with 54K to the tune of 2900). He damaged the oil pan in the original engine, Ins. installed another engine. Car looks great, drives great. Leather Interior in near perfect condition. However, dash warning lights are on. Check Engine, Tracs, and one other I cannot recall. I remember my old Volvo's were electrically strange. Owner claims the shop (not a volvo dealer) cannot get them to turn off. Evidently they light up randomly. (is this a recurring problem with the 850's?)

Car sounds good, might be a little manifold leak. Possibly with new engine installation that mechanic didn't reconnect properly. Owner is asking 4400 for the car. Any suggestions?

 

I'm no expert, but it sounds fairly plausible and not too unusual. I've heard to be very careful if the lights are on and also that they come on all the time for no good reason...so i think that's a tossup. The TRAC light, however, could be trouble...i know that's not normal.

But just for some reference, i just bought a '96 turbo wagon for $4100. It's in amazing shape inside and out, runs perfectly, came with all service records and recent major tuneup, but has a small leak from the rear main seal that will cost about $1000 to repair (but it's hardly noticeable).

If you're serious about the car, i'd suggest taking it to the dealer to get the codes read. That should tell you whether it's something trivial or not.

 

The fact that it has the motor replaced and the guy seems to have mechanics that are not Volvo specialists work on it, leads me to say stay away from that one. There is a way to check the exact mileage through the computer for pre 96 models. If you are serious about it, I would have a pre-purchase inspection done by a Volvo shop, either a dealer of an independent Volvo shop. It's money well spent. Personally I think $4400 is too much for a non-turbo model.

 

The Dealer can check the milage on the 850's from I believe it is 1994 to 1997.

 

This site truly is amazing! I appreciate the advice! I will have it checked out thoroughly before I buy. Glad to know you think 4400 is alittle too high. The owner thinks it's at fire sale price.