Hi Everyone,

I'm an Australian looking to get an 850R. There seems to be an abundance of knowledge on this forum, and it's very active, which is why I have come here for advice.

This is the car I am interested in purchasing: http://www.carpoint.com.au/used-car/...sn5123873.aspx . Please note that the price is in Australian Dollars, but even then, it's still been priced quite enthusiastically by the seller. I have been in contact with the seller, and he has been responsive and upfront in providing information. He is also willing to negotiate on price. I have made him aware that my upper limit is $9k (AUD), and that I currently think his car is worth closer to $8k (AUD). He said he will think about it and get back to me on price today. Here is a summary of what I have found out about the car so far:

Faults: [ul][*]Front bumper is cracked on the right side[*]Sunroof isn't working[*]A small amount of oil leaks from around the dipstick sleeve. According to the owner, a replacement sleeve is going to go on this week and he expects that to fix the problem.[/ul]
Repairs: [ul][*]The car does not have a full service history. It has had three owners, and when the current owner bought it, he could only get a service history from just before 100 000kms and up. The current owner has kept a full record of his services[*]The cam belts were replaced at 120 000 kms (roughly two years ago)[/ul] [ul][*]The clutch and radiator have both been replaced with news units within the last two years.[/ul]
The problems with the car seem fairly minor. My biggest hurdle at this point is that I live in Tasmania, which is an island state. The car is in Victoria, which is on the mainland. Before I book tickets and fly up to take a look at it, I want to be fairly sure that it isn't a dud, which means getting a third party to look at it. The problem there is that he lives in what I'd call a country area, and all the volvo specialist repair centers that I have been referred to are at least 100km away I'm beginning to think that my only option is to fly up and check it out myself with the help of the buyers guide. I certainly don't have any previous experience with these cars though, in fact, I'm a young buyer, so this will be my first car. I've been driving for a while, but have just used one of my parents cars.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
[/align]

 

Hello mate,

Welcome to the forum.

The price seems a bit too high, though I don't know the average rates of the 850s in Australia. I just did a conversion from AUD to USD (http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic...on&lang=en):

9,000 Australian Dollar = 8,378.73 US Dollar
8,000 Australian Dollar = 7,447.76 US Dollar

Should you decide to go see the car, I would visually inspect the entire car and open the bonnet (hood) for fluid levels, conditions as well as fluid leaks or any other defects. And then test drive to see if the engine & transmission operate smoothly, as well as hearing some noise, unusual handling, etc... And having a certified technician do a pre-purchase inspection is a good way to judge the car's value. Now, as to your questions:

-Front bumper is cracked on the right side
I'd like to know the extent of the damage. If small, it can be soldered/bonded with epoxy. If large, it may need to be replaced (AUD$$$).

- Sunroof isn't working
Could be major or minor. If the fuse & switch are OK, then the track mechanism may need cleaned/replaced. Again they are AUD$$$. I would also check to see if the shade moves smoothly.

- A small amount of oil leaks from around the dipstick sleeve. According to the owner, a replacement sleeve is going to go on this week and he expects that to fix the problem.

Most likely you'll need replace the PCV components. Even with new dipstick sleeve, the oil will start leaking. Is oil leaking around the filler cap or other engine seals?

Lastly, here is a reference:
https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Read 2~3 more replies from other members to gain better knowledge.

Cheers,


JPN

 

Thanks for the reply JPN

Like most things, we seem to pay a bit more for cars down here in Australia, even when you factor out the current differences. Down here, the cheapest 850R I've seen advertised is at $10k (it's an automatic though). The cheapest T-5 I've seen was a 94 Wagon, which was $6k (AUD). At these advertised prices though, they don't seem to be getting too much interest, so most sellers (or at least the ones I have spoken to) are willing to bargain. With the red car I linked to, the seller had advertised it at $13.5k (AUD), yet when I told him the most I would pay for a pristine 850R was $9k (AUD). I am beginning to think that given the few issues that it has, and the additional costs that I would have to cover after purchase (new front tyres) that $7k (AUD) is a reasonable price to offer.

Here is a picture he sent me of the front bumper damage: http://members.westnet.com.au/naidoo...resized%5D.JPG . It doesn't look like the air dam has been damaged at all, which is good.

The sunroof is one of those things where If it's expensive to fix I would probably leave it broken. There are always windows to let air in It is a value adding item however, so I think the problem should certanly be factored into the eventual price.

The oil leak is a concern. From the owners discription, the oil only leaks out in small amounts from around the dipstick sleeve. I quote:"Currently the car leaks oil from the dipstick sleeve where it goes into the block (a very small amount)." In the event that I do need to replace the PCV Components, roughly how much would it cost? Since your in the US, I know component prices would be different, but at least that would be a ballpark figure for me.

Cheers,

inm8

 

Good evening inm8,

I just checked out the images on the 850R and it looks really good. The damage on the front bumper is nothing. I'm not sure how much it would cost to repair at a body shop in Australia, but even if it is out of your budget (let's hope not), you can defer the repair until you can afford it, completely ignore it, or if it were my car, I would fix it myself. You'd need a filler material & polishing compound, but the hardest part is to find the exact match colour. Body shops in Japan mix their own colours to match the original. Body shops in the States are probably the bests in the world in terms of quality but it's not cost-effective to ship the bumper to the U.S and have it repaired.

As to the sunroof, I would check the fuse & switch for wiring. If they're ok, I would then inspect the track mechanism. You never know, it may only need cleaned, and the sun shade may have gotten out of the track and getting in the way.

As for the oil leak, I think it is still within a safe limit, as we have seen other engines that are much worse; oil seeping out of the filler cap and creating a lake under the spark plug cover, dipstick tube, seals & seams etc.... Once a new kit is in, there should not be oil leak but the turbocharger oil return line is also known to leak a bit (the seal ring on the lower part of the engine block). I'm not sure what shops are available in Australia, shops that carry OEM parts.Some of us heregenerally get parts from:

FCP Groton:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850oiltrapturbo.htm
Approx AUD $145 for a complete PCV kit + international shipping.

eEuroparts:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/searchresu...0&cat=1021
They do not seem to sell a complete kit.

There are a couple of great Australian members here. I believe they couldprovide you much better ideas than I possibly could.

BTW, I'm actually stuck in Japan at the moment, very sad.

Cheers,


Kanji/JPN

 

Ok, I've got some bad news:

The 850 R finally got checked out on Tuesday, and it' report card is not good at all. The list is quite expansive, but here is a rundown of some of the issues mentioned on the vehicle inspection report:

1. ABS, SRS, Lambda and TRAC lights appear to have been removed, or otherwise disabled.
2. Slight leak from the brake master cylinder
3. undersized rear breaks
4. hand brake worn out (has to be pulled right up to glove box, and even then, isn't fully effective).
5. Suspected damage to the front links on the suspension arms.
6. Power steering rack leaking
7. Sand blasted windscreen
8. Tail light broken
9. Non standard sunroof fitted, which doesn't open.
10. Roof lining coming off.
11. Needs full wheel alignment.
12. Wire coming out of rear tires (they are un-roadworthy)
13. Turbo hoses leaking.

That's not all of it as well, but that should be enough to give a good picture of the vehicle.

I've spoken to the owner, and he seemed shocked that all these things were wrong with it. I'm a fairly trusting person, but I'm finding it hard to believe that he didn't pick up on a few of the more obvious problems (ie: roof lining) and make me aware of them. Anyway, he asked if I was still interested and I made it quite clear that I would not even consider purchasing the vehicle in its current state. He said he is going to get his mechanic to make it "roadworthy", but even then, I'd be very hesitant to consider purchasing a vehicle with this many problems.

Unless he really gets a lot of work done on it (and I don't think he will), this one is out. I'm going to have to keep looking I guess This rather nice looking 850 AWD wagon has showed up on carpoint, but it's lower powered due to the low pressure turbo. Has anyone had any experience with these AWD 850s? Do they still have some grunt?

 

I am not sure as to AWD 850; I do not believe they were available in the U.S and were only available at elsewhere, including Australia.

Well, as to the 850 you rejected, you have madethe right decision. If the car already has had that many problems, I would believe it even has more problems and I can almost see you being stranded due to timing belt breakage.

A person like this one will not stick to his words. The car is undoubtedly neglected, walk away.


JPN

 

As I have told several people when you pay for an inspection and do NOT buy the car, it's has to be some of the best money every spent. Good move. And just keep looking you will find something. I, personally, would stay away from the AWD models. Just something else to have trouble with and not many of them on the road. Like JPN said, none in the US. Probably the same vehilce as the 98 V70 R though, and my sone has one and he loves it.

 

Hey now, hey now,

As much as I would like an awd V70 [sm=lildevil.gif], or the V70R [sm=badbadbad.gif],I thought twicewhen I was at the shop getting the Brick safetied as there was a V70 AWD with a broken drivers rear drive shaft and the replacement cost was $2500 CDN. OUCH[:@]!

As much as I like the idea of all wheel drive, the idea of having to pay that much for that type of repair just didn't seem like it was really worth the it. 2500 bucks is alot of cash and the replacement engine I bought didn't even cost that much.

If this guy couldn't be that much repair needed then I'm sure that he's deluding himself or fibbing[sm=smiley15.gif].

From what I can tell from the list that you provided I can tell you that you're looking at, if you were to buy this car for $9K AUD, another $7K AUD minimum and you'll probally want to replace the wheels if as you say that there is wire instead of tire. Who knows what else this gut has neglected. It already sounds like too much.

Volvo's aren't the cheapest or easiest cars to keep up but they are a very rewarding car and there's a serious amount of upgrades available for them. The Brick is getting new 17's as soon as the cash becomes available.

This ride would make you "car poor" in no time flat. And that's no way to be. Besides, for $16 -$18K AUD, which is where you would be after repairs, you could find a good used off a dealer lot with an extended warranty for the big items. I don't see a savings, exceptthe diminishing of yours from your account [:@].

Keep looking. If you're ceiling is $9K you'll most certainly find the right ride.

Peace and [sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

Hey guys,

thanks for all of the input. I turned down the 850 R, simply because I don't want to be buying someone elses problems. Even if I got it for cheap, it wouldn't change the fact that the car had been neglected at some point in its life. I've pretty much been scared away from the AWD too, after hearing all of the horror stories regarding broken transfer boxes and other AWD only peices!

I did find a 5sp manual 850 T5-R for sale however, and it got inspected today.

It has a some problems as well, but not as many as the other 850 R I got checked out. The most notable problems are: [ul][*]minor engine oil leak[*]hole in rear tail pipe[*]front shock absorbers: bump stop rubbers collapsed (volvo call these "strut insulators" apparently).[*]all tyres scrubbing edges. The tyres are in good condition otherwise apparently, so I'm assuming that the car needs a wheel alignment.[*]One service light on. I don't know which service light this is yet, I'll have to ask them to clarify. EDIT: I found out out which service light is on, it's the Lambda sensor.
[/ul] I think this one may be worth getting, if I can negotiate the price down to encompass the above problems which I'm going to have to fix. It's priced at 10.5k AUD by the way. Looking at the problems, I would want to be negotiating 2-3k AUD off that price for it to become viable. Any opinions?

 

Manual 5-spd T5-R was not available in the U.S, and I would jump on it.
[*]minor engine oil leak
A common problem. You'll need to replace the PCV component as a kit.
[*]hole in rear tail pipe
A minor defect; replace muffler.
[*]front shock absorbers: bump stop rubbers collapsed (volvo call these "strut insulators" apparently).
Most likely it isworn-out spring seats that is allowing the fronts to make some noise. A common issue.
[*]all tyres scrubbing edges. The tyres are in good condition otherwise apparently, so I'm assuming that the car needs a wheel alignment.
That is correct.
[*]One service light on. I don't know which service light this is yet, I'll have to ask them to clarify.
There is always at least one service light on on the 850s. And it is usually triggered by some negligible faults.

Take it to a certified mechanic and have him/her inspect it. Also test drive the carand look/listen to abnormalities. Make sure the engine & tranny operate smoothly.

Hear other members' opinions as well.


JPN

 

Sounds like a winner to me. Sounds like you already had it inspected and I would not let any of what you listed scare me away.

A T5R five speed! I'm jealous!

 

Hey now,

I have a 1994 850 that I bought for about three grand and have put a fair amount of cash into it to make it the fine driver that it is today.

If your are serious about this car make very sure that you have the whole car looked over. THE WHOLE CAR! These cars can become very expensive very quickly as I have found out , but, I can't say I'm sorry as this is now a very good car.

I can't say this enough, if there is no real indication of a timing belt change or when it was done, get it done.I found out after the water pump bearing seized and snapped the timing belt that a replacement (new) engine is just over $8000 CDN [sm=smiley19.gif]and this is almost the price ofan entire car.

You can check out https://volvoforums.com/m_87363/mpag..._/tm.htm#87363and there is more help here than you'll ever get from a dealer.

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

So am I

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Hey now,

Remember to test drive the car both during the day and at night. Reason being that things look different at night and it is also a very good way to see how the lighting system work.

When I bought my Acura Vigor GS (the Hammer is now gone[sm=smiley19.gif] ) I found that the night driving was not as good as the headlights didn't seem as bright as I would have liked and this iseven after I changed all of them for new.

The Brick, on the other hand, has excellent lighting and the only upgrade that I would like is the jeweled lights that I found on eBay for the 850.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Volvo-850-94-97-C...ack-Headlights-
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Volvo-850-94-97-C...ome-Headlights-

Either would look very nice.[sm=loveeyes.gif]

Good on you [sm=smiley20.gif]for turnig down the serious fixer.

Again, a 5 speed, I'm very jealous [sm=smiley28.gif]

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]

 

Yep, all of the problems I listed came from the Vehicle Inspection Report, which was done by an authorised mechanic.

As you guys have mentioned, the problems with it are not that major really. I checked out some pricing for the parts the other day, and provided I do the work myself, I should be able to get it in A1 condition for under 1k AUD. Keeping that in mind, I have made the owner an offer of 9k AUD, which is 1.5k below his current set price of 10.5k AUD. He is going to get back to me later today. Fingers crossed that he accepts the offer!


Haha, I almost gave up on getting a five speed T5-R/R. Even though they were available in Australia, they are hard to come by. At the moment, the only t5 speed R/T5-Rs available for sale were the two which have been mentioned in thsi thread. The red R, is of course a lemon, and I'm just fortunate enough that this one has been well looked after. By comparison, there are about 10 automatic Rs available for sale (including an Rwagon), and a few auto T5-Rs. Why so many of these cars sold with automatic transmissions is a mystery to me, it's madness!

I'm very excited now. Here are a few pictures of the car:

http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/pr...nt/3520896.jpg
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/pr...nt/3520938.jpg
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/pr...nt/3520940.jpg

 

That right hand drive looks really stange to me. You still do the gas with your right foor and the clutch with you left, but you shift with you left hand. That would take some serious getting used to. Car looks great though. If he comes back willing to meet you half way, 9.75K AUD, you going to go for it? I would.

 

+1 on JimKW

 

Yep,lots of people who are used to LHD have made similar comments. I have a friend who moved from Germany, and he didn't like the RHD at all to begin with. Likewise, I hate to think what I'd be like driving a LHD! Another strange thing you find with cars here is that depending on where they were manufactured, some have indicators on the left of the steering wheel (most European andUS imports) and others have it on the right (mostly Japanese and locally assembled cars). It's pretty easy to get used to, but every now and then you slip up when trying out a new car and end up turning the wipers on rather than indicating!

Yep, I will without a doubt. The small difference in price would be well offset by the time I would spend looking for another good condition, 5 speed manualT5-R or R. In fact, after I got off the phone with him I wondered why I didn't just offer more and seal the deal straight away!

 

You are not going to be very happy if somebody else buys it out from under you. I have had it happen to me several times. One time I was working a deal with a salesman at a dealer while somebody else was doing the same thing with another salesman at the same time. The other guy got the car cause his salesman got it done first. Sometimes you really have to move quick when buying used cars.

When I bought the yellow T5R I saw it on AutoTrader and it said it had nine pictures, but none showed up. I called my son and he got on and it he saw a couple pictures. Then about 15 minutes later all nine pictures where there. It was at a Honda dealership about 200 miles from here. I called and they were about to close. When they opened the next morning I called first thing, gave them $100 deposit via credit card, took off work at lunchtime and drove to look at it. By the time I get there three other people were waiting to hear whether I bought it or not. I did not have ANY bargaining power, but they had it priced way below what I knew it was worth. They had no idea what they had until I fold them.

 

↑Until you fold them? Man, you must have been very aggressive.....[8D].

Yes for most people switching from LHD to RHD takes some getting used to. When I took a driving test the first time in Japan (I was 24), the windshield wiper was wiping every time I made turns, and I was trying to shift the gears by pulling on the door handle, lucky I didn't open the door while the car was in motion. But what bothered me most was that the gear positions were the same as LHD, meaning you had to reach way over to the 1st gear. I felt like I was trying to reach the Pacific, or South Korea for that matter.....[8D].

P.S; Driving test in Japan is the most ridiculous in the world. If you're 6 inches too close to the curve, a foot too close to a stop line, that'll fail you (in Chiba & Kanagawa prefectures). I passed the test with automatic, at my 6th attempt. I paid approx $40 each time I went to take the test, but most Japanese spend close to $2,800 to get a driving license. Where do they come with that kind of money for a driving test is beyond my knowledge. This country is still foreign to me in too many ways.


JPN