I still have my original clutch.

Original engine and transmission too, and the car still uses no oil.

But as for everything that's bolted onto the engine and transmission, I'd have to check through my stack o' records to be sure!

(I think there are two parts in the AC system that haven't been replaced yet and they're the two cheap ones that are easy to get to!)

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Lidatek, XC grill, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin X-Ice.

Why? Because it's still cheaper than 4 BMW wheels and snow tires.

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

I have a base 1995 850 with the manual transmission (m56) and it's a great car. I replaced the clutch last year at 141k miles and changed the transmission fluid with Redline MTL. 5 speeds are hard to find but dealers usually want to get rid of them quickly. I've had to put in some R134a AC system refrigerant once a year or so and had the front control arms replaced because the ball joints went bad. The front suspension squeaks, but I believe that is the front sway bar bushings. Still drives nicely and has great pickup.

IIRC 1995 was the last year it was possible to check & clear codes (Check Engine Light) or the service light without an OBDII scanner, which is nice.

These cars do need some maintenence occasionally, so be warned parts are not cheap nor are they particularly easy to come by at your local auto parts place. FCP Groton (http://www.fcpgroton.com) and IPD (http://www.ipdusa.com) are good places to get some maintenece items and parts. Finding a local Volvo independant mechanic or Volvo junkyard can also really help.

But for an 11 year old car that's survived over 100k miles with me behind the wheel and the terrible streets of Atlanta & Chicago, it's a wonderful car.

scurvy
--
1995 base 850, m56 manual transmission, 158k

Opinion here seems to be that '97 is the best year. Auto boxes seem to last if maintained well and the fluid's changed every 30k miles or so. Check for signs of burned fluid in any car. From my own experience I would look closely at any 850 that's had teenage male drivers. The "sport" auto mode is too much temptation. Timing belt should get replaced every 70k miles. Lots of people here have high mileage cars that they really like alot but some also feel that $1000/yr maintenance costs are acceptable. Good? As usual, depends on your point of view.

The 850's are great cars but have some (expensive)quirks and are pretty maintance intensive. If you do it yourself you can save a bunch of $$$. Much more complex that the 2-700 series and the sidewinder engine config is a pain. The most common problems are well documented here on the BB. A/C evaporator and RM oil seal are $1200. + repairs are the two biggies. ABS control unit failure is almost 100% and will run you $800-1000 at the dealer. Victor Rocha in CA repairs and upgrades ABS units for about $140. If you need him, post here for his email address.

Sb