I will be hanging out here often.

I have spent the last few weeks perusing all of te posts, mostly the 850 area in the last few days. So according to the posts it looks like the main problem areas are the glove box, suspension, rear main seals, heater core (evaporator) and apparently power seats. Is there anything else you recommend I check out when looking at an 850 wagon?

Also, is there any year that is more recommended?

and....

Anyone in Atlanta looking to sell their 850 in the next 12 weeks

and lastly....

Are there any GTG's that take place there?

Alot of newbie questions, sorry about that, but I appreciate any advice.

T.D.

 

93 was the first year for the 850, so I think I would stay away from that year. I had a 94 850 Turbo that was a great car. Make sure the timing belt is changed every 70K and if it hasn't been get it done. You don't want the belt to break. Don't know what cars you are familiar with, but 850's are fairly costly to maintain compared to Japenese cars. Unless you are getting into the higher end Japenese cars which get expensive too. Volvo's are good car with a great safety record. Good luck, they are not that hard to find. A pre-purchase inspection is a must when buying one. These cars are getting pretty old.

 

Find your Volvo on-line...
http://www.autotrader.com
http://www.cars.com -- on-line listings from classified ads of local newspapers
http://www.craigslist.com -- click on on-line classified ads from your city

Utility for searching gov't records...
http://www.carfax.com

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 - MY92-97 850 with DOHC 2.4L I5 with no turbo
56 - MY97 850 GLT with DOHC 2.4L I5 with small turbo at 6 psi
57 - MY92-97 850 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

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.fcpgroton.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

 

Thanks for advice guys! I appreciate it alot. I am entirely new to Volvos but in the past have restored several vehicles, bought and sold repairables, etc, etc. but never a Volvo. My last two cars were a 2001 VW Jetta TDI and a 1996 Maxima. Both cars I did a few mods on but nothing too serious. Prior to that it was GM all the way, but never again. Would love to get another Maxima or Jetta Wagon in the future, but now with the family and all, I want a roomy car thats safe AND fun to drive, and I just quickly fell in love with Volvo wagons once I looked at them closely. These 850's fit everything I am looking for in a car once I get back to the US. Cant wait to get my hands on one!

So how hard is it to do a timing belt? Thats the one thing I never enjoyed doing on a car.

 

It is fairly easy if you have done some on cars before.

We could walk you through it easy.

I can walk you through it with my Eyes closed.

 

If you want something that's fun to drive also, make certain that you get a turbo or T5 model. T-belt is a piece of cake on these cars; easiest t-belt change I've ever done.