A lot of us do much of our own work and/or have trusted mechanics to keep our cars happy. These cars are actually pretty easy to work on, easier in my opinion than the Hondas and Mazdas I have owned. If you are mechanically inclined, the key is knowing your limits. I for one, will not change a timing belt- too much downside if I mess it up. But I will take the driver seat apart to replace the heating element or seat adjustment cable.

My word of advice is to fix things immediately when they break. Letting the items build up makes it seem like you're driving a POS and not too many people like driving a POS.

When putting that windshield seal on, go to the local ACE hardware and get a bottle of Plio-bond and use it. You will never have that seal flapping in the breeze. Good stuff to have around the garage too!

Open a savings account and spend sparingly. If you are used to Honda's, you're in for a totally different experience.

The 850's driving dynamics are ecrtainly superior to any Honda I've ever driven and I too have a 5-speed. The seats are some of the most comfortable I've sat it in a car.

My 96 unfortunately has suffered from all that ails the 850 and has cost me thousands to keep on the road. There are certainly folks that haven't had the problems I've experienced, but every single problem these babies are known for, I've had.

My experience has been disappointing. As far as upkeep, just follow the maintenance schedule, change your oil regularly, and check on the tips and tricks for do it yourself repairs both here on Brickboard and on Bay 13 at Volvospeed.com. Oh, and get your flame trap replaced frequently. When those clog, you blow your seals and it will easily run you in excess of a grand to fix.

Support from Volvo corporate is pathetic, so don't expect any assistance from them if things go wrong.

dont be too concerned about all the problems on this board. most people get on it to find out solutions on what's wrong with their cars. it builds up your knowledge on your car. seldom will you see posts that just want to praise their volvo. just like going to a dentist. almost all the people you'll see there have problems with their teeth. sure there are problems with volvos, but so do all cars. just do your secheduled maintenance religiously and you'll dramatically cut the possibilites of things going wrong with it.
regards

You won't be happy, but here's my list. I've been a volvo owner for a few DAYS but I think many will agree:

$58 Bosch tune up kit. Plugs, cap, rotor. I'd do it, at least you'll have a chance to see your plug's condition.
Flame Trap (ask your dealer, this one's important because you can blow your seals).
Front and Rear main oil seals.
I'd do a timing belt... but it's not strictly required yet... I think. Some $$ there if you do.
Serp belt, including tension.
I'd get the AC checked. "It's cold" isn't checking it.
Brake lines (check condition)
Brake fluid.
Coolant (chk lvl, might be time to flush)
Get the engine good n hot and see if the blower fan works. You'd be shocked how often they don't. If you just to-from work like I do, and in fairly chilly weather (NJ) it might not NEED to come on.

I'd also have a shop take a good look @ your suspension. Check your shocks in the usual way, but check your drive shafts, too.