Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2013 850 INDEX

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best years for the 850? 850

Been driving 240s for ten years, thinking about moving up. The 96 and newer cars have side airbags, which seem like a good idea. I've driven a 94 and 96 extensively and the one thing that really bugs me about those cars is the steering feel. I'm used to driving RWD cars, but still--Saabs I've driven felt much better. Did the 98+ S/V70s fix this? And what about reliability issues for 850s? 93 and 94 seem like they should be avoided as early years of a new design. What about the various engines? The GLT 190HP light pressure turbo seems cool but does it hold up as well as the normally aspirated engine? What are the major bugs for these cars? I would be looking at cars with ATs, and this is to be more of a family car/daily driver car than a fun car. Thanks.








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best years for the 850? 850

I would go with a 96 or 97. Remember if you want a LPT (GLT) then you have to buy a 97 because that was the 1st year they put the LPT on the GLT. In the 96-93 the GLT package was just an interior package. The S70 doesn't drive any better than the 850. I have a 98 S70 GLT and 96 850 NA and the 850 drives 10 times better. The only major problem I have had with my 850 is a Camshaft Positioning Sensor. Also my PNP switch will need replacing soon. Other than those two problems, that is about it. I'm about to put a LPT on my 850 NA (I'm a tuner) so either the 850 NA or LPT would do you just fine. If its not going to be a fun car just a family car just go with the NA because they are easier to work with and family cars don't need turboes. The NA will get you around town and other places just fine.

JP








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best years for the 850? 850

Actually the 850 was introduced in europe in 1991. The '94 was a minor upgrading after three years of the first one.

That said, I would not buy a '93 because of the 4 lug wheels and less attractive bumper and headlight design. I own a '94 and have had no big problems with it. I like it because it doesn't have the ABS or traction problems.
--
'94 855 2.4 Sportwagon

Jet Black/Beige Leather . 5-spd . 16" Meteors . E-code lamps & sidemarkers








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best years for the 850? 850

I've owned a 94 base model 5 spd and now a 97 850-R. I believe the 97 is the best year, not because I own one, but because of what I have read about the different model years.








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in that case... 850

how does the 97 850 compare to the 98 S/V70? Especially in terms of durability/reliability.








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in that case... 850

I can only tell you what two Volvo mechanics told me.

1997 is the last good year for an 850. They see a lot of newer models coming in with all sorts of problems.

Maybe it is a matter of how people take care of, or abuse their vehicles?








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in that case... 850

i have a 97 850 GLT Turbo low pressure, and i love it, drives well. plenty of power for passing and teh 0-60 is pretty good. I have over 120K miles and other than routine maintenance (brakes, tires, oil changes with mobil1, I have not had a major problem yet, knock on wood....i have had to replace the upper engine stabilizer mount, but i believe so has everyone else on the board. the earlier models have a known AC evaporator problem and i would keep away from them, plus i do not the 4 lug bolt pattern on the early cars as oppossed to the 5 bolt on the later models. good gas mileage and rides great on the highway. i would reccommend a 97 model.

Dan








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in that case... 850

there are lots of '98 70 series in great condition and at good prices, for sale.

The '97 850 GLT is a great choice, but don't forget to check a few '98 GLT's

The KEY to these cars is history. If the previous owner took good care of the car and was serviced by a volvo dealer, you'll be fine.

Whatever you decide don't buy the non-turbo, or you'll be disappointed in a few weeks. The GLT at 190 hp has plenty of pep, and you don't get to pay premium $$ for the T5.

My 2 cents
--
'92 740, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay








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in that case... 850


I have a 95 and it has the sipps bags. I myself only had the routine maintaince including the timing belt. everything on the work works except the seat back cable (its where i like it anyways so i'm not going to bother fixing it) Mine is the turbo model which has great performance when you need or want it.

My sister has the 2000 s70se model. The only things i like about it are: Built in cup holder, quieter and better central locking system, window controls put back on the doors where they belong and some minor body detailing (rounding some of the corners) Other than that. I prefer my 95 over hers.







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