Keep the 240 as a backup; it's not a huge investment and you could be glad you did down the track
--
JD - '91 940 turbo wagon on 89k and 225/50/R16's (plus some Honda-land stuff)

We have an '89 240 and it's the best car we've ever owned...built to really last. I bought a used '97 850 wagon from a volvo dealer and have driven it for 2+ years. Not one thing has gone wrong. Reading this board I think I just lucked out with the best year for 850's. I guess the 850's can be a little more sensitive than the 240's when it comes to maintenance but they definitely handle better, especially in the snow.

If you search this forum on the topic you'll likely turn up lots of similar inquiries. The 850 is a much more complex car than the 240 and requires more attention. My opinion is that unless there is a verifiable maintenance history, stay away. If you'd like to see what I consider to be an average history, I've posted mine at:

http://www.geocities.com/hwy51_guzzi/carhistory.htm

The following are known expensive (labor) repairs that have a good chance of showing up.

1. A/C evaporator leaks. Replacement runs about $1000

2. The auto trans, if neglected, can run about $3000 for replacement. (ATF should be changed annually.

Other items include:

Turbo oil return line leaks. Cheap DIY project. New gasket & 0-ring and 30 minutes.

Front wheel hub bearing failure. Hub replacement at about $120 plus labor

Spring seats and strut mounts $?

Ball joints, individually replaceable in pre-94 I believe, after that the lower control arm must be replaced.

Engine mounts, upper mount cheap and easy, others about average.

Transmission PNP switch, failure causes 3rd gear limp-home-mode, DIY but involved.
Shift microswitch, failure prevents shifting out of park, easy fix.

If you hear lifter noise (hydraulic) could be as involved as dropping oil pan and replacing 0-rings or as easy as using correct weight oil. Never heard of a lifter actually failing.

Timing belt must be changed at 70k after '93. Don't buy a '93. Broken belt means rebuild.

You can go to Volvospeed.com's Bay 13 for DIY and service hints on the FWD models.

If you've been taking your 240 to a shop you trust, have them inspect any 850 you're interested in. Have them include a compression test.

Good luck. I've had mine since January and it has only needed a front O2 sensor. BTW, up to and including '95, you can access error codes and reset your CEL and Service lights from a diagnostic pod under the hood. No tools required. Starting in '96 you need a scan tool for the codes and a Service light reset tool to reset that light.

Good luck. I drive the 855turbo, my wife now wants a '91-93 240.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t