I went from a 87 244 to my 854glt for $3500 and I love it. I expect some repairs with a volvo but as long as you do regular maintenance and don't wait if somehting comes up you will never be stranded. It is such a different ride and feel from my old 244 I'd never go back.

Hi,

The following is my standard reply which I cut and paste in response to this question.
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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:

The coolant recovery tank cap should be the green. The original grey caps cracked or warped, causing loss of coolant and overheating. Cheap part, under $10.

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
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BTW, you won't have to replace the t-belt. It should be good for another 60k.
--
Erwin in Memphis, '95 855t

OH YEAH CHECK THE SERVICE RECORDS TO SEE IF THE AC EVAP HAS EVER BEEN CHANGED, AND MAKE SURE THE AC ISCOLD AND HOLDS A CHARGE, THIS WAS A PROBLEM ON THE EARLIER MODELS NOT SO MUCH ON THE 96-97 YEARS, BUT WORTH CHECKING INTO.

DAN

I HAVE A 97 GLT TURBO I BOUGHT WITH 57K MILES ON IT FOR 14k, I NOW HAVE OVER 100k MILES ON IT AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE DONE IS REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS AD HAD BOTH FRONT AXLES REBUILT (cv joints had torn boots) AND OFCOURSE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT AND ACCESORY BELT AT 65K MILES, DID MY SELF FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS AND THE TOOL KIT FROM IPD. I AM READY FOR ANOTHER FRONT BRAKE JOB, THE 850'S SEEM TO BE HARD ON FRONT BRAKES. I AM GOING TO UPGRADE TO THE CROSS DRILLED ROTORS FROM WWW.NEWANDUSEDVOLVOPARTS.COM FOR ABOUT 120.00 2 ROTORS AND PADS. ALTHOUGH I DID GET CLOSE TO 50K MILES OFF THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS THAT ARE ON THERE NOW.

JUST HAVE A SHOP CHECK IT OUT BEFORE YOU BUY IT THEY MAY CHARGE YOU 100.00 BUT IT MAY SAVE YOU 7500.00.

I LOVE MY CAR AND WOULD NEVER GET RID OF IT, I ALSO UPGRADED FROM A 1983 244 TURBO.

DAN

97 GLT TURBO, DAWES DEVICE BOOST CONTROLLER, "A" PILLER POD AND BOOST GAUGE, CUSTOM CAT BACK MAGNAFLOW EXHAUST, AMSOIL 2 STAGE HI FLOW AIR FILTER.
BLACK WITH BLACK TINT, ALL THE GOODIES W/MOONROOF, LEATHER TAN SEATS, REAR SPOILER, ETC.