Hi folks. Not to bore the regulars, but here's my sad story:

Owned a '95 854 Turbo Sedan, loved it after I got to know and fix the quirks. Liked reading my own codes.

Decided I really wanted a wagon, so looked for an 855T wagon for a few years. Didn't find one in good enough condition.

So I test drove a 2005 V70 2.5 light pressure turbo/geartronic with 45K. Thought it was good, so I bought it.

Now I have buyer's remorse. Complaints:

1. Brake pedal and accelerator too close together. Find myself hitting both at the same time unless I am very careful about foot placement.
2. Door panel armrest nowhere near as comfortable as 850. Curves outward at rear and causes pain to elbow on drives over an hour.
3. Seats not as comfortable as 850.
4. Drives like a toy. Too responsive to steering and accelerator changes.
5. Not enought power. I didn't always 'hit' the 854T but liked the power when I needed it.
6. Too much body roll - didn't realize I liked the 850T's suspension.
7. Bought a motorcycle and use it mostly - 2.5T sits in driveway depreciating.
8. No noticeable economy improvement in 2.5T from 850T.
9. Turns out I don't like the geartronic. Doesn't shift like I expected. Used to shift the 854T into 3rd occasionally for passing and downshifting which worked better, as it turns out. Not perfect of course.

So, my hangup on 855T resurfaced. Saw a very nice '96 dealer serviced one that went on ebay today w 137K - couldn't bring myself to get involved with A/C leak, door strike, and worn seats (I already sold the 854T which had nicer seats - duh) Timing belt also up for replacement.

By the way, I don't need AWD, and I have always driven sticks, though those are harder to come by. The seats are the least of my complaint. I really don't like the pedal and armrest issues, but the depreciation, power and handling are my biggest complaints.

My question is, well, any advice? How many body versions are there? When did the door go to that curved armrest? I see the 2001 had it, but did 97,98, 99 and 00? And which models have the handling that bothers me with the '05 2.5T? I think I really need the Turbo, as the LPT seems like too much of a step down. I was concerned about getting a few extra MPG by going to LPT but now I think that was an error. I get about the same MPG (at least at 70MPH) in the 2.5T as the 854T. I do notice dropping to 60 mpg gives a few extra MPG).

I am between a rock and a hard place. Opening the wallet to buy something newer (and in the right body style) to get away from maintenance didn't really work. And it sits depreciating. Seems like I should dump it and take the loss, and buy something cheaper since the car is currently my backup (except for Northeast winters!)

Thanks for any advice. If after reading this, you can think of a specific late as possible model that might fit my needs, please suggest! I have ended up confusing myself pretty well, and just know I don't like what I have. Don

I think all the changes you mention started with the S70 in 98, I think. I have a 96 850 and a 2000 S70. World of difference in quality of interior and a lot of other things. They "cost reduced" everything and threw quality out the window.
Funny you mentioned the arm rests. The arm rest vinyl has become detached on S70 in the corner (common defect) but it makes it more comfortable.
If you want the feel, comfort and quality of the 850 you will have to find a low mileage one up to '97. My 96 has 255K miles on it and is still as tight and comfortable as ever. I use it as my winter car (upstate NY) and would rather take it on long trips for the comfort. Some rust starting to show up on the trunk lower edge and fender corners. Just replace the starter but it still has the original water pump and all the other timing belt stuff except the belts which I plan to change at 280K. The only oil I loose it through the oil line hoses to the cooler which I just picked up a set from Erie VoVo. (Metal pipes rusted)
I might look for another 96-97 850T in the spring.
Good luck,
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Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE

What problem? Sell that modern piece of junk and buy my 98 R. With sport suspension, comfy seats, and a tranny that lets you down shift to 2nd! Of course, it has AWD, but that just eliminates torque steer!

The "new" armrests came with the new body style - 2001. The electronic throttle came in 1999. The LPT is good on gas and gives 200bhp, but the car is still heavy.
Look around for a V70 T5 and replace the bubbling door panels with panels from an R which do not bubble.

Klaus
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I still miss my 164