I have a chance to purchase a 850-GLT 81K miles, lots of bells and whistle, (winter, sport, economy system)leather, heated seats etc, auto trans. Are there any problems that I should be aware of? I would greatly appreciate some feedback.

also looked at a 950-1994 with 71,000 miles, turbo 2.3L, how is this car as far as the turbo goes, maintenance wise etc. Thanks for you input.

I have a '95 850GLT with 120,000. I do the simple stuff like oil changes and take it in for the harder stuff (i.e. timing belt). Aside from a gear selector switch replacement the car has been trouble free.

850 glt. u should look into model year 1997 for these. 1997, they introduced a light pressured turbo engine (190 hp) replacing the less powerful n/a engine (168 hp). u'r gonna be kicking urself later down the road for not picking this over a pre-1996.

850 turbo/t5. u should look into model year 1994 wagon only, 1995-1997 sedan and wagon. 1994 sedan had a thicker 6" headlight lens that looks kinda bulky, and the rear trunk design is square and edgy also. just my pref.

turbo models have been good and reliable engine and turbo/intercooler wise. it's the other stuff (mentioned previously) that's annoying if not properly maintained, and it runs throughout the whole 850 lineup. many items start wearing down around 70k...

Problems with this model are numerous and expensive to repair.

ABS control modules fail- results in loss of ABS and TRACS system (anywhere from $450-$700 to replace)

AC Evapaorators Fail (roughly $1,000)

Alternator ($600) not so common, but mine went at 79K.

Rear Main Seal (roughly $1,000 due to labor)

Interior Heating Fans (about $300)

Radiator Cooling Fan (about $300)

Upper engine mount bushing (about $50)

recall on seat heaters.

Tend to use a lot of oil.

Door panels tend to peel away around door lock area and trim around windshield gets loose in hot weather. Drivers side wiper arm doesn't always make contact with the glass.

To say the least, mine has been a money pit and reported to National Highway Traffic Safety due to safety issues with the brakes. Volvo does not stand behind their product at all, I have been very dissatisfied with my 850. I like the way it drives, it's comfortable and overall nice looking car. It's just a maintenance nightmare. Other than a GM product I once owned, this has been the least relaible vehicle I have owned.

With the 850, just make sure that regular maintenance was done. Check the air conditioning as many owners have experienced failed evaporator coils. If an automatic, check the fluid and road test how it operates- shift quality, etc. Take it to a mechanic and have it gone over. You'll get some piece of mind for $100. Maintenance on a turbo really isn't all that much more than a naturally aspirated model. Volvo has been making turbocharged cars longer than most. Use a good synthetic oil.