I test drove a 1993 Volvo 850 today with approx 116,000 miles on it. The car rode smoothly and had nice power. However, when I really got on the gas to merge into traffic, I noticed that the 1st to 2nd gear shift was not particularly smooth. I can't say it "slammed" into the next gear, but the shift was way more noticeable than I thought it should be.

Are 850 transmissions known for being a bit "rough" under intense driving? I currently drive a manual transmission car and haven't owned an automatic in 4 or 5 years.

If anyone has any input on whether I should even bother looking at this car further or if this is just a normal 850 characteristic, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

They are pretty funny about that.

I would reccomend you look for a 1995 to 1997 car.

The 1993 was the worse year on the Transmissions.
If it goes bad one the 1993 transmisson will work in it.

 

"If it goes bad one the 1993 transmisson will work in it. "


Thanks for the advice! I just didn't know what you meant by the last sentence.

 

Sorry if it goes bad Only a 1993 will work in the car.

Meaning you can only buy a used one from a 1993. A 1994 won't work.

 

Do you know, just out of curiousity, what is so bad about the '93 trans? Bad design? Weak clutches?

 

I know they just go out.

We never open them so I don't know what goes wrong on them I just know they go out.

 

You could try a fluid change and possible the motor mounts.