I just bought an 850 GLT, 1996, 77K miles, garage kept, no rust, very clean, mechanically nice, no leaks. Granny couldn't drive anymore, so it was put up for sale. $2600.

Timing belt was done in 2004, at 55K.

Any suggestions on items to replace and look at for preventative maintenance?

I was thinking of doing all the radiator hoses and the two heater hoses, and thermostat as PM.

I'll inspect the timing belt, but if its not cracked, should I replace it anyway?

I've had three Volvos, '84 245, '89 760 wagon, and my last was an '90 240DL (285K), I'd still be driving if someone hadn't run through a stop sign. Its fun to have one again.

Exhaust hangers look corroded, but solid

Tranmission fluid is fine, color is OK, and no burning smell

Brake fluid is clear.

CV boots are firm, no cracks.


Serpentine was done a few weeks ago.

I think the timing belt and hoses are first on list.

850 timing belts are 70k or 7 years - the car's belt was probably changed at 55k because it was 8 years old.

The timing belt is now 9 years old - do yourself a favor and change it. Change the serpentine belt also - they have been known to break and take the timing belt as well.

ALL the items in the maintenance book are mileage or time.

If you have records, check them against the book. If not, check with her dealer, he will have some records as well.

I'll bet that the car is way overdue for a brake fluid flush.

See if you can find that the evaporator has been changed - Remove two fasteners and you can pull up the right side of the plastic cover over the cowl - see if the car has a cabin filter - if not, the evaporator is probably original.

Examine the rearmost exhaust hanger - they rot away and let the system hang and break.

Check the drains at the corners of the trunk lid - the fittings at the bottom of the drains pinch the tubes and the drains plug up.

I used a piece of flexible but stiff, high temp auto wire to fish the drains - take a peek at the first bend in the tube and bend the wire at its tip to get it past the first bend. You should be able to pour a small cup of water right through the drain. I used to check mine every month.

Great find, good luck

Almost as good as winning the Lottery!!

Replace all of the fluids. Put vinyl protective on the CV boots as they are probably very dry. Give it a full tank of premium, just to get the octane level up to 87-89.

Drive it! And think of us poor schmucks who buy wrecks for the same amount!

Man, what a score! A 77k 850 for 2600 buckeroo's!

BTW - 850's don't rust..:)

The timing belt is 9 years old so I would consider changing it. I believe the time limit is either 5 or 7 years/70k miles. It's an interference engine so your engine will be history if it breaks. Check water pump while there, but they are normally good for 200K+.

The hoses last a long time but probably a good idea to replace them. Go over the whole cooling system. Radiators can crack on the passenger side seam. With such low mileage yours is most likely fine. Look at reservoir tank and cap. Flush coolant if it needs it.

I'm assuming it's an automatic. What's the color of the tranny fluid? Flush if it's dark red or brown. Should be pink or bright red.

Check out the CV joint boots for any tears. Torn/fatigued rubber on the spring seats? Do the usual suspension check - then enjoy!

Timing belt - my 960 was 70K or 7 yrs. Ck the owners manual and I'll bet there's a time limit on the belt.