Hi there,

I'm considering purchasing a newer car. We currently have an '84 245 that is about ready to be "put out to pasture." I'd like to buy a Volvo, because the 240 has been such a great car, but I need more information first.

I think that the 850 is a beautiful car and I've been told that it is more comfortable inside and has more amenities. Ideally, I'd like to find a low mileage n/a 854 with a 5spd, leather and sunroof. I've ruled out the turbo model because it was not offered with a standard transmission and that just seems like one more (expensive) part to replace as the car ages.

What was the last year that the 850 was made (before it became v70)? What are the differences between early models (e.g. '93-95) and the later cars? Were all model years available with a stick? How quickly do they depreciate? What kind of mileage should I expect with a stick?

I apologise for asking so many questions, but I thought that this was probably the best place to "talk" with people who own these cars.

(I'm also considering the Audi A4 1.8T. Has anyone drive one of these?)

Thanks in advance... :-)

I have both the 850 and the A4. My wife drives the volvo mostly. The A4 is a five speed, good on gas and very very fun. The 850 is comfort and would blow the doors off the A4 is a straight line. I would have got another 850 but did not want the same car twice.

Bottom line,, both great cars but when we (my wife and I) travel together,we always take the volvo.

Do no buy a 1993. They have a lot of problems. I have spent over 6k in the past three years on repairs. The transmissions have to be replaced at 150k.

I bought a 1996 850gte December 99 that had 108,000 miles on it (from a little old lady in Temecula). It has performed like a jewel. The only repair I've had to make was $350 to replace some trany solenoids. I commute on Southern Calif freeways at the rate of 50 miles a day. It goes like hell when it has too and stops on a dime. I have just passed 124,000 miles.

Try to find a reliable local mechanic that knows Volvos...you can check them out right here on this board.

Another opinion:

I have 3 in the driveway now..1.) 1995 n/a 850 manual, 2.) 1997 n/a 850 auto, and 3.) a 1999 n/a S70 manual. I had a 1993 850 GLT manual.

I've driven other 850 manuals and autos. The turbo is very quick. The n/a manuals seem to vary in quickness for some reason. There is no pattern from what I can see. My 1993 n/a manual could get 2nd gear chirps. The 1999 n/a manual seems very fast, and gets excellent gas mileage...25 around town and 30 on a trip. I've driven a friend's 1993 n/a manual that is sluggish.

Of all the cars, I liked the 1993 the best and the S70 the least. Yes, they are "all essentially the same car", but the small differences can only be assessed by you. The S70 has a softer ride...the rounder edges inside are less practicle in my view...the "new" window switches are flimsey and prone to failure....the new plug-in light sockets are problem prone....I've taken the door panel off of all the cars for stereo work....the S70 door panels were redesigned in order to be popped on the factory in 2 seconds...no screws. Do I really care about this stuff? Yup..if I only cared about the obvious utility of the product, I'd buy a Honda. Yes, the car is way better than a Honda...but the redesign aspects did not improve the car in anyway, except the engine management system, which made a great running engine run even better. My only point here is that some people will like the S70 more and some will like the 850 more, and some people won't care about the differences. So you need to access whether YOU care about the differences, because if you assume like I did that you will love your S70 as much as your 850, you may be disappointed. Don't assume.

>What was the last year that the 850 was made (before it became v70)?

The 850 (1993-1997) and the SVC70 (1998-2000) are essentially the same car. There was a minor exterior restyle in 1998 when it became the SVC70, and some interior changes, such as the power window switches were relocated from the console right below the cupholder (!!!) to the driver's door.

>What are the differences between early models (e.g. '93-95) and the later cars?Were all model years available with a stick?

Yes, all model years were available in the US. Naturally aspirated 850-SVC70s were available with a stick in the US from 1993 to 2000. High-pressure SVC70 turbos were available with a stick 1998-2000. Low pressure turbos (1997-2000) were not available with a stick in the US.

>How quickly do they depreciate?

Fast. Lots of complaints here, particularly in comparison with BMW. You avoid that if you drive a car until it's "fully depreciated" as I do.

>What kind of mileage should I expect with a stick?

Depends. Really. On the kind of driving you do and the kind of driver you are.

>(I'm also considering the Audi A4 1.8T. Has anyone drive one of these?)

Yes. I think it's too small. Nice, well screwed together, but too small.

What market are you in? In United States a manual tranny

on base model is available on the 98 S70s. I'm not sure if

99, 00 and 01 base models are available with manuals (probably

did not sell many of them even if they are).

Manual transmissions were not available on the 850s in U.S.

Although, you do occasionally see one advertised -- for those,

I would check to see if they came from a dealer or across the

border in some other way (gray market).

I too was in the market for a none turbo 850... I test drive 3 none turbo car

You have to step on it....... very low on power...

Once I get on the Turbo the different is night and day......

The Turbo sold on the spot....

I paid $7500 1994 original owner with all record....113,000 on the car leather and CD and all..

Excelent condition... we love our car... Turbo last very long time....oftend worth the extra cost ...

I love the 850 shape... none turbo is fine... but give a Turbo a test drive

before you buy... or you may miss something big time

With board support you can do all your repair and work yourself....

Shop around don't paid too much....

We all know 850 seem to have some problem with the transmission.... keep my

finger cross....

I will not trade the Turbo for any thing ...

850 GLT, Burgandy Wine ext/charcoal leather int.....

TONS of bells and whistles, 92K on it, 4 spd auto, sunroof....

Picked it up for $7995

We bought this car for my wife to drive...now we almost fight over who gets the keys. One word for the way the car rides/drives....REFINED.

Now I finally know how great a car can be, when its done RIGHT. How everything can 'flow' together. This is our first Volvo, and I'm SOLD on em' from here on out.

Next, the hunt for an old 124 for me to 'play' with.

Cheers,

Russ

Yup. Been there. '93 850 GLT. Loaded. Love it to pieces. 122,576 miles right now and no squeaks, rattles, rust or things that don't work.

May I offer a hint that might save your love affair with the car, and save you a few thousand $. Take the car to your nearest Volvo dealer and have them change the transmission fluid and filters. Do the full-flush, which requires some special equipment your local garage won't have. I didn't, and the #4 clutch pack clogged. Result - no go in forward. Subsequent result - a $2600 bill for a rebuilt ($1600) transmission, plus labor, shop towels, coffee for the repair staff, etc.

All is forgiven. Love blooms once again. The car is a joy.

I just bought my 1st Volvo in October. I grabbed a 94 854 Turbo with sport package and charcoal leather. The car had 160000 miles on the clock and had several issues to resolve. In all, I have $<1000 in repairs and maintenance since I bought it. I did ALL work myself and am able to get parts from Volvo at cost. I now have 172800 miles on the car, average 26+ MPG highway and 22+ in the city. At this point I would not even entertain the thought of driving anything else. This car is fast, good looking, and handles great right out of the box. I used to be dead set on driving only manual trans cars but this 854 Turbo has made me a beliver in decent automatics. (Still can't believe that I am saying that...) I got the car for $7500 and have been grinning since then. Now, as I understand it, you can get an 850 turbo with manual trans if you look. I know that the "R" version in the USA is auto only though. I recall the 850's from 93-early 94 were not too hot. (I have one that was built in 7/94 and has the new style headlights, dash switches, and moon roof.) From what I have read here, 96's were the best year to buy. I think that 98 was the last year for the 850s as they became the 70 then. IMHO, a late 94 or 95 is the best buy if you are a do it yourself guy since the computer codes can be read without any tools. The 96+ need a scan tool, and it is not too cheap. Concerning value of the car, I can not really comment since mine has high mileage and was bought at a dealer only auction. I have seen similiar cars with 80k+ miles and minor issues go for $14k. I have seen one other like mine with 66k miles and identical options, color, and perfect condition roll away for $16,500. Hope this helps shed some light on the market for you.

Prospero