John, I have owned a 1995 855T for a couple of months now. My car came with 74K and full Volvo service records (highly recommended). First impressions of the vehicle are: all the ammenities I could ever need (mine is pretty much loaded), fit and finish is very good, a few annoying rattles (probably not totally unexpected out of a wagon), ride is a little firm (but damn the thing corners and handles really well), excellent power train components (engine is smooth and powerfull, transmission shifts are crisp, similar to a BMW), instrument panel is a little dated looking but is very functional. Granted, I have only put 2K on this car, but I have complete service records and the previous owner did not have any problems with it (O2 sensor, and normal 5K maintenance intervals). Just one man's opinion, hope it helps.

John, I have owned a 1995 855T for a couple of months now. My car came with 74K and full Volvo service records (highly recommended). First impressions of the vehicle are: all the ammenities I could ever need (mine is pretty much loaded), fit and finish is very good, a few annoying rattles (probably not totally unexpected out of a wagon), ride is a little firm (but damn the thing corners and handles really well), excellent power train components (engine is smooth and powerfull, transmission shifts are crisp, similar to a BMW), instrument panel is a little dated looking but is very functional. Granted, I have only put 2K on this car, but I have complete service records and the previous owner did not have any problems with it (O2 sensor, and normal 5K maintenance intervals). Just one man's opinion, hope it helps.

I have an 850 turbo wagon with over 105,000 on it. I got it because the previous owner took meticulous care of it, as I do with my cars.

I've had it for almost 40,000 miles and it has been almost completely trouble free. The last 30,000 miles have gone by almost (see below) without incident. With that said, however, the right front headlight is now out and it's not the fuse or headlight. I'm taking it tomorrow. Don't it expect to be much. I've also had the replace the front lower air dam (which covers the lower engine components) because it took me a little while to get used to the turbo's lower stance (hit a curb a couple of times, knocked it loose). Also a turbo hose broke and cost $30 to fix. So over all the cost of ownership (over and above usual maintenance) so far is the $110 for the front lower air dam purchase and installation, the $30 turbo hose, and whatever this electrical problem might be.

I wax the car and keep it in good shape. People cannot believe it has a 7 year old car with 105k on the odometer.

No matter what car you get, 850 or not, be sure you have all the documentation to show that the previous owners took good care of it, unless you don't mind putting some extra money into your car.

Cheers,

-Dan

You might find some answers to your questions on my site. good luck.

I have a 1993 850 GLT, with traction control. I love to drive the car, but it has been nothing but an expensive headache! This is the sixth Volvo I've owned and I will again buy a Volvo, but the 850 series, at least in the earlier versions, are full of problems. Good luck!