First time poster. I'm a Mercedes guy, but I'm in charge of replacing Mom's totaled Buick.

I've always respected Volvo knowing friends and neighbors that have owned them.

I searched Autortrader with the limits of $7K and 70K on the OD and found this:

Cars for Sale: 1996 Volvo 850 Sedan in Fairfield, OH 45014: Sedan Details - 297981842 - AutoTrader.com

Edmunds appraises this car at $2300 for outstanding dealer retail...which seems low to me.

Thoughts and opinions on this model, general shortcomings, and price appreciated.

Looks like a peach to me....but you know how that goes as I haven't seen it. Not afraid of older cars as mine is a '93 and wifey's is a '99.

Thanks in advance.

 

That is a good looking 850. Probably worth about $4,000 but I would have it inspected just because of age. Wouldn't be to concerned about miles under 150,000 as long as you can get some history and it's in good shape. I usually use www.NADAGuides.com because that is what the insurance companies use for value.

If you are concerned with safety, do get a Volvo. If she would like something very easy to drive and rides a little more like a luxary car, check out a few 960's / S90's. They are a little bigger but have a lot of safety features and drive very easy.