NateB

Hi all,

First post here, thanks for such a great forum.

Considering some 850s for my daughter. Both are at used car lots.

1995 850 base, 144k miles, velour

1997 850 GLT, 155k miles, leather

Both cars should be obtainable in the $3,500 range or so. Problem is, they are on used car lots, and the driving/service history is a question. I have carfax's on them, and they seem clean, but the carfax record for my own Pontiac (bought new) has a bunch of stuff in it that's wrong (http://www.kevin-jarrett.net/blog/?p=853).

MSN Autos thinks pretty highly of the 850s in these years:

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/reliabil...o&model=850

Edmunds isn't so impressed:

Well, as the original owner of a 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo sedan bought off the show room floor - here are my thoughts:

The Volvo is a solid , reasonably safe automobile. However, it can be expensive to maintain. Especially if you have to hire a mechanic ( i.e. dont DYI).

Here are some of the common areas that may need attention:

1) AC Evaporator replacement - about $1,300 ( not for the average DIY person)

2) Radiator - these cars are getting old, the seams crack and leak eventually. Using the Volvo part and labor maybe $650

3) Heater Core - another $400 parts and labor

4) Some have auto transmission problms- figure $3,500 to replace

Much more little common maintenance stuff.

But here the thing, my 850 is over 11 years old and I believe very well maintained. It cost me to maintain any 11 year old car- and my turbo is pushed. So fo me- the tradeoff is a fine welll maintained good performance automobile.

I had some leather upholstery rework and a new headliner too - nice interior like new.

My car is the exception cause i CAN afford to buy a nice new car - but choose to maintain my 1995 850 turbo cause I am either nuts or just plain enjoy it

If it were for my own kids - I 'd have to rethink it due to the maintenance efforts.

Good Luck

http://www.edmunds.com/used/1995/volvo/850...gs_jdpower.html

My questions:

1) How reliable are these 850s?

2) Any problem areas to watch out for specifically?

3) I've read that the electrical systems on the 97s are troublesome. True?

The 850 seems like an ideal first car. Safe, FWD, hopefully reliable, inexpensive.

I have a Volvo mechanic in my town, too. Trustworthy guy, been in business forever. I'm a teacher and I've taught his kid (I know the family). My dad dealt with him years ago as well.

TIA,

-kj-

Anyone who has ever received proper firearms training is taught not pull the trigger unless you are certain of your target, and what is behind it.

Our VP was more than likely HWI ( hunting while intoxicated)- thus the delay in reporting. I mean- he admitted to 1 beer, probably more like a six pack. Mr. Jack Daniels was also seen near the ranch.

Great leadership we have these days.