You think this is would be a decent buy for someone that doesnt mind working on their own car?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/850-G...QQcmdZViewItem

 

Wow!! That black/gray 1993 850 GLT looks like it was always garaged. The interior is spotless. The 134K mileage doesn't bother me.

The things that bother me is the S55 engine code in the VIN -- no HPT Turbo.
The "P" in the model year code in the VIN -- 1993. There were a few minor improvements made to 850 in 1994 and 1995 model years.

https://volvoforums.com/m_31697/tm.htm

Utility for identifying model year, make, model, trim of vehicle...
http://vin.stronghold.com

10th position of VIN indicates model year...
S - 1995
T - 1996
V - 1997
W - 1998

4th position of VIN determines sedan/wagon...


5th and 6th position of VIN indicated engine code...
53 - MY98 S70 T5 with turbo
55 - MY93-97 850 with DOHC 2.4L I5 with no turbo
56 - MY97 850 GLT with DOHC 2.4L I5 with small turbo at 6 psi
57 - MY93-97 850 Turbo with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi
58 - MY95-97 850 R with DOHC 2.3L I5 with large turbo at 9.5 psi plus

Pre-purchase check list...
Coolant system leakdown test will identify possible problem with head gasket
Engine compression test will identify possible problems with piston rings or head valves
Visual Inspection from Volvo Dealership ($130) will verify over-all condition of car

Maintenance items to expect to be addressed immediately after purchase...

1) Brake Pads and Rotors
In my experience, OEM pads only last 25K miles. Rotors must be replaced, they can't be turned.

2) ATF (Dexron-III) will be black.
I would not power flush, in fear that debris will break loose and cause problems.

Here are procedures that I used to drain and fill...
https://volvoforums.com/m_25657/tm.htm

Best option is to purchase ATF DIY flush kit from
http://www.ipdusa.com

This does NOT apply to 1999 and newer Volvo(s) which have AW55-50/51SN transmission. This transmission requires Mobil/Volvo JWS 3309. It is not synthetic. It is expensive -- $18/quart.

3) Do NOT use power steering fluid. Our systems use Dexron-III.

4) Volvo no longer sells 87C/190F thermostat. Do NOT use OEM 90C/195F, purchase 87C/190F Wahler from
http://www.fcpgroton.com

Here are procedures that I used to replace thermostat and ECT...
https://volvoforums.com/m_16392/tm.htm


5) Misc.
-- purchase a hydraulic jack to lift front of car for oil changes
-- purchase a pair of jack stands (place on engine sub-frame)
-- purchase a package of aluminum crush washers for oil drain plug
-- purchase a magnetic oil drain plug from FCPGroton (optional)
-- purchase one aluminum crush washer for ATF drain plug

 

Very clean car. Pretty cheap to.

 

Thanks, still not ready to buy for another 8-10 weeks (still in Japan) but trying to learn about these cars so I dont go into this blind and get screwed. So what is the most common reason for the CEL to go on? O2 sensor, knock sensor, etc?

 

Possible O2 but they really didn't have many problems with the O2.

If they washed the engine with a Hose it might be missfire codes.

You won't really know till you pull the codes.