Now that I've made everyone mad, let me explain myself. I am a 50-something guy who bought a new 240 in 1984 and have had a half dozen "red blocks" since, all going well over 200k with few problems. I presently have a 240, a 740, and a 940 SE, in various stages of repair/disrepair.

But, I have run into a sweet '96 850 that seems to be calling my name.

That's a big jump for someone who had never owned a front-wheel anything. Do you guys (and gals) like 850's as much as the old RWD's? Is maintenence, longevity, etc. comparable? Are 850's DIY friendly? What's the best manual for these (short of the green books -- if there are green books)

I know this must be a worn out question for you on this side of the board, but I would really appreciate your input. I have hung around the RWD side for years, but have had little interest in this side -- until now.

Thanks much.

Allen

I recommend steering clear of Volvos altogether. I have driven Volvos since I was 16; I'm 28. I had 2 240 DLs ('84 and '86). Loved them. Bought a 1995 850 turbo wagon. I replaced the transmission at about 85k miles with a Volvo factory rebuilt transmission. It failed 14 months and 11k miles later. The warranty for the tranny was for 12 months. I bought an '87 240 DL Wagon to drive while waiting for Volvo to make a decision if they could help me out. The regional rep would do nothing for me. The Director of Client Relations did nothing for me. The Office of the President said they would not do anything for me. I'm over Volvo.

-Rob

I bought my 96 new and it never ceases to delight me. It's fast yet gets great gas mileage, handles & corners well (nicely improved with Bilstein HDs all around and the IPD swaybar--a 'fun' weekend project last summer). I'm 63 and have gone thru a lot of cars over the years (E-type Jags, Lotus Europa, Alpha Romeo, Original Mustang, etc) as I love cars and after 2-3 years get a yen to try something new. Oh, yes, I still have my dwell meter and timing light. This is the first car I've ever kept this long and have no desire to look at others. In fact I dread the day when I have to face parting with it.

I use Mobil 1 in the crank and tranny, flush the tranny every 30K, periodically flush the coolant and brake fluid, replace the belts when required, then have a great time pushing the hell out of this sports car in disguise.
--
96 850T, Bilstein HD, IPD swaybars

Allen,

I am currently on my fourth Volvo and it is my first FWD Volvo. I own a 96 850GLT non-turbo automatic with 133,000 miles. According to the local Volvo dealer, this is one of the best 850's he has seen in a few years. The secret is routine maintenance. More so than the RWD bricks, FWD bricks not only need a little more maintenance they demand it if you want longevity. Not replacing the timing belt when required, every 70K, could cost you an engine. Before buying an 850 check the maintenance records carefully. Good records will not guaranty a problem free car, but it sure helps. If the car is an automatic, check the tranny fluid for color. Dark brown or burnt fluid indicates major tranny problems in your future. Also check that the AC is blowing COLD. The evaporator on 850's tend to go out at about 90K and cost plenty to replace. Only other real issue is the ABS control unit, which can go out really anytime. Dealer wants first born to repair ABS control units. When the unit goes out... contact Vic Rocha in southern California, folks on this board can provide contact info, and he can rebuild the control unit for about $150... Great service.

Now for the fun part. 850's have no shortage of power compared to the RWD Volvos and the turbo will blow your mind. My 850 rides better than any Volvo I have ever owned, and corners like it wants to have fun. I only do about 30% of my own maintenance now and let the dealer have the rest. All in all very happy with the 850 series.

Hope this helps....

Oliver

Over a million Volvo miles and still smiling...

64 122S
66 1800S
86 245DL
96 850GLT

I came over from the "classic" Saabs (when GM took over) and I was never particularly impressed by the 240. Maybe it was the way the console always hit my right leg. Then there are all the stories about the legendary 240 rust.

Anyway, I've found my V70 amusing enough to keep all this time, but it sure hasn't been cheap to maintain. I've used an indy Volvo shop since the end of the warranty.

The 240 was described as "The one car that actually lasts longer than you want it to".

I may buy another Volvo or I may get my head examined first, I haven't decided. We have several Honda products and they are absolutely bulletproof when it comes to reliability. (But also awfully bland.)

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, velour cloth seats, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, XC grill, Lidatek LE30, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"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)

Just FWIW, I've owned a 240, 740 and an 850. The 240-740 left me hitch hiking 3 times, the 850 none so far. They're a more complex beast for sure and have their quirks like anything else but we love ours.

bl

If you search this forum you should find many threads on this topic. Most of us are former RWD Volvo owners who have hesitantly made the leap. I think that most of us are now FWD/AWD Volvo fans. You may find an occasional pining for a pristine '93 240. But we have decided that the newer cars are still Volvos.

The cars are fun. More horsepower, more gadgets.

Because of the electronics, computers, tight spaces, they can be harder to diagnose and repair. Parts seem to be more expensive. There is a lot of help on here, and a site called Bay 13, for us DIYers. No matter which newer car you have, it will have these problems. I remember adjusting the air fuel mixtures on carburetors by ear, before I had a tach. Now everything has dual O2 sensors, MAF sensors, computers, cam position sensors, etc., etc.

One of the good things is - no one is talking bad about the longetivity. The white motors are piling up the mileage. Regular oil changes, many choose synthetic oil, and keeping the flame trap/crankcase breather system clean are important. Early ('93, '94) had an automatic transaxle issue, but later models seem to be doing fine. We believe that routine changes of transaxle fluid are needed, but that is a simple 30 minute task.

The cars have their issues, but they seem to be consistant and help is available. We tend to think its worth a little effort just to be able to drive a Volvo. Some of us don't want to drive a Camry or Accord like everyone else.

I am right there with Ken F. I made the switch from RWD to FWD. The XC is the first FWD (OK AWD) car that I've owned and it was a relatively easy transition. Then again I went from brick to brick (245 to V70). My father in-law is in your situation now. He started with an old PV, went through about four 200 series as his kids grew up, an 855 and now an '06 S60. It's my "grandfather in-law's" 245 that got me thinking Swedish. Now I'm not sure that I'll go any other way. With three wagons now it'll be hard to get rid of them all. If Volvo ever jumps on the American bandwagon and makes a mini-van then it's all over. It will truly be Volvo for life.
--
'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); All over 125k miles

"adjusting the air/fuel mixture by ear . . ."

That brings back memories! I remember adjusting the air flow on the duel SU's of my Spitfire, TR-4, TR-6 using a short run of plastic hose held to my ear. That was just after adjusting the points, setting the idle speed, checking the "dwell," messing around with the timing . . . And wondering if "radial" tires were really worth the extra cost!

Maybe I do need to get into the 21st century (but the old days were fun, too!).

Allen

I have had two 760 T's in the past. I would love to have a perfect 940T. I have a 97 850 GLT. Fun car. Still would love to have the perfect 940T instead. Just an opinion from a 60's guy.

the 850's are great.. just be prepared they have a lot more power than the older cars, especially if you can get hold of a 5-speed. the timing belts have to be replaced when they're supposed to, if not you risk destroying the engine. handeling in the snow is a plus from the RWD's. in terms of the engine, there is a lot less loose stuff, and it is pretty much bullet proof.. if i'm not mistaken the engine from the 850, is the same one they use in s60's today.the gas tank is 73 liters or 19.3 gallons, or much larger than that of the 240's and I can get as much as 450 miles to one tank.

WoW yours is the first comment ever I have read saying the engine is "bullet proof". I have to agree and had not thought that in the past with white engines. I have had no engine problems just pasted 190K miles.

The comment about allot less lose stuff is also correct and to me makes the engine much more simpler... As a Previous 240 owner

I have a 5 speed and the longevity and durability is great. We all come up with concerns on the "new" cars. I remember them well when the 850 was introduced. One of my concerns upon visiting/looking at a local dealer I was told that the auto transmission on the new S60's is sealed...... you do not remove or replace transmission fluids, which sounded strange to me.

From my understanding the basic 850 block is the same as the new 60's. Volvo seems to hang on to a good thing . I was told ( unconfirmed) that Volvo spent 10 years developing this block.

Lee