Thunder87

I agree. Nowaday's there are a lot of very safe cars out there to choose from that are much more reliable then the 850. The one line I seem to see on here alot is "Oh, that's a common problem with these cars!" Especially when it is in response to a problem I'm having. It seems like the norm to just about every issue I have run into and I have run into a lot. Lol. In the end, I still love the lines of the 850 and feel of the car, plus I own it sooo... But if I had to make the choice again, I would not do it again... Well, maybe and that's a big maybe, and it wouldn't be anywhere near the top of my list. Only if it was a Turbo/manual model from a trusted source and taken well car of , for a really, really good price, I might consider it. I figure with the turbo/stick/good price, at least the hassle would be somewhat worth it, but I'd kick myself everytime something went wrong. :D

Hey Kevin, My screename on ClubGP is Thunder, I've been on there since late 03 early 04. I don't post all too often as I frequent RegalGS.org more often, where my screename is Thunder also. (Yeah, I like to keep things simple, LOL) I would use the IIHS and Edmunds.com sites to help pick a safe and reliable vehicle. Edmunds has great reliability feedback on vehicle's from actual owners. Good luck with your search and I'll probably end up seeing you around on one of the boards.

I wouldn't, by any means, imply to put your child in danger, just to save the hassle & cost of repairing a car. I myself have a Children and know what it's like to worry about them. My point is that Volvo is not the only safe vehicle out there. If you can find one that's safe and reliable, your much better off.

Some other common problems that have not been mentioned are: The ABS Module, the Air injection system, Dash rattles, rear tailgate trim falling off (Wagon models only), and Sway bar end links. I really like our 850 and love knowing my wife and kids are riding in a safe vehicle, but at the same token sometimes I hate it because it seems like everytime I turn around, there is another CEL on, or something else is wrong with it. On top of this, parts are usually on the expensive side. Again, I'm not saying don't do it, but I know for myself, I don't believe I would pick it as a reliable first car for my daughter. I know the safety of it is nice, but there are other cars out there with great crash test ratings, that are more reliable and dependable and even cheaper to maintain (parts wise) especially if it's domestic. Both my Domestics have been far more reliable/dependable then our Volvo, and my Lumina has 249k miles on the original drivetrain. Food for thought. I'm not 100% sure, but I believe the Turbo's would have even more things to go wrong. Oh and I'm a member of ClubGP too, as I have a Regal GS.