hi kids,
i just took a leap from old familur 240 740 world to a red hot 850 turbo..please share with me..are they good cars, pain in da azz or what,,any good resources for parts, seem like areal nice car.
dave in michigan
now I have 3 740 turbos and a 850 turbo

Congradulations. I expect you will enjoy this car.
I'd say its important to follow the book on maintenance and
to keep on top of things when they break. The powertrain is
very solid and most problems are not of the variety that
would leave you stranded.

My wife has a 95 855 GLT (I have a 98 S70 T5M) and
it has been a reliable and fun car to drive. (Suspension
is a bit stiff, though).

You might have a look at the "Well I got it" thread below
since it asks the same question as you did (must be a run on
used Volvos right now).

Most common problems (and repairs) are at (a great resource):

http://volvospeed.com/bay13.htm

Thanks for your response.
I am all smiles this morning, like a kid on Christmas morning; I got a new toy!
I also found Kino's site. I am going to have trans flushed and A/C refilled (I hope my regular Volvo man will work on this bad boy !!??).
This car is just the thing to mend my broken heart from having to sell my beautiful red 745 Turbo (the lady who bought it had to agree to bring car by my shop 2 times a year...visitation rights!!now that's sick), and my Toyota previa (no visitation requiered).
So many buttons to press in side..wow and no manual. I am like a babe in the woods w/ this car.
All fluids looked real good, new turbo just installed. perfect black leather!! Oh baby!! Looks like a sport exhaust w/ a big kid style tip on it ( I will hack saw that off ).Neighbors all know I am nuts, standing in driveway smiling at my new baby. And..I managed to make it out in one piece from chicago last night , back to grand rapids.
"I got a new toy ..ohhh eeeee ooo"
dave in michigan

Time for another link for that owners manual issue. This site can
be used to order the original manuals found in the glove box:

http://www.volvotechinfo.com/

Site looks like it was recently redesigned (or over-designed in that
it used to be easier to navigate and did not require flash plug-in).
I think you pick on Owner Literature and take it from there.

BTW: A new turbo is a bit unuseual. The turbos are normally
as reliable as a claw hammer (OK, not quite, but replacing them
is uncommon).

Thanks again Ray!
For the info..I know , replacing the turbo sounds drastic , he said it was making a little noise, so he put a new cartrage in.
my check engine light came on as he said it would. i am gonna go scan the codes, but problem is said to do with the purge valve on the gas recirculater ?? I don't know but is still running fine, he said it does it after a long trip. Man once i got this car away from my wife, I am finding it to be quite the runner...we were the fastest parents to the school play last night..
dave