I'm looking at a 97 850 AWD for purchase as is. It needs a fuel pump... its a good deal at around 1500 Canadian$ (about 1375 USD) but needs obvious work. If heard conflicting info on installing a fuel pump on an AWD both on this sites threads and from elsewhere. Some claim its an easy do it yourself job with the pump found just behind the rear seat while others have suggested it takes removing the fuel tank and even the drivetrain. If anyone has any advice on repairs it would be much appreciated.

Also... I'm a little concerned about the risk of purchasing the car without even hearing it run. I currently own a 96 960 wagon that needs replacing. Please advise. Thanks in advance.

I had to replace my fuel pump last summer, garage charged me $600. there is a panel in the rear wheel well that you remove, and there it lies. Just be prepared to catch residual fuel in the line (I'm thinking an empty milk jug, and maybe some ploy tubing to jam on the ends of the lines, so it will reach the jug). And lots of rags...

OEM part was $200.
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'96 855 Wagon, 200k (and formerly 97 850, 120k)

Read carefully, the question was for an AWD car, not FWD like yours. Yours is easy, DIY in about 1 hour.
The AWD cars have a saddle tank above the driveshaft, with no inspection plate to access the fuel pump. The tank needs to be dropped, which means the suspension also needs to be dropped. A real nightmare.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

The AWDs have a "saddle" tank over the propeller shaft. The tank must be lowered to gain access for the fuel pump. The procedure is not for the faint of heart!!!

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD

Thanks Klaus!

The Chilton manual I have tells me its just behind the rear seat in the cargo area... this must refer to a FWD not an AWD...

There were no AWD 850s sold in the USA. The USA had to wait for the S/V70 to get AWD.
The "inspection holes" for the 850 didn't line up to the placement of the AWD fuel pump. The fuel filter was also moved.

Klaus
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Common sense trumps a PhD