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I like the safety features and technology available in the 850 series. Air bags front and side were available to the front seats, as well as memory seats and a fancy trip computer. The 740/760 only saw driver's side... the 940 got dual, and the 960 eventually got side. The 850 also has ABS standard, and traction control that uses the ABS to keep wheels from spinning in winter weather. Oh yeah... transmission is computer controlled with four modes; economy, sport, winter, and limp-home!
The 850 is a front-wheel drive, instead of the rear wheel you're used to. It's something to remember on ice. The suspension is also stiffer, ESPECIALLY in the Turbo and R models. Oh yeah, gas filler is on the other side. Took me a couple tanks to learn that one.
There is a rubber mount at the top of the engine that tends to fail quite often. There's a polyurithane bushing available that the DIYer can install, however there is heated debate as to whether it is good for your car.
Some people (read most) have problems with their air conditioner at one point or another. The evaporator develops pinhole leaks and lets all the refrigerant out. Some people have had success with rubber-metal sealer, however I have not. Replacement requires removing the entire dash, which is simmilar to getting to the core of the Death Star. Good time to replace those dash lights... The check is to turn the A/C on full blast, pop the hood, and count the numer of seconds that the compressor spins between breaks. If it's under 20 seconds, consider moving to Alaska.
Other people as well, especially owners of 1996's have had ABS/TRACS issues where the computer does the Bosch thermal hokey pokey. As the computer heats up and cools down, solder joints and... traces... crack, causing it to lose it's pretty little mind. This lights the ABS light, however note that this light shuts off if everything is "OK" when it finishes the tests next time the car runs. Look for the ABS light staying on after the engine starts, and give it a good test just after starting and after a good long drive. Make sure the misses uses the handle.
There's a recall on the 1996 seat heaters... something about extreme-pressure on the seat (like the weight of Calista Flockheart) will break the wires or junctions, and possibly cause a short, possibly causing a fire. Your Local Volvo Dealership will replace your seat thermostats for free.
If you look at a turbo, check for oil leaking from the oil lines to it. It's no big deal to replace, but it's easier when you know you're gonna be doing it. Also note that the 850 engine is "all aluminum". Some people have mentioned getting a "fail open" thermostat.
I've also heard of windsheild wiper arms twisting and not wiping quite right anymore. Might wanna check the wipers... Also a good time to check the washers, since Volvo has retained it's classic check valve design. I've also seen a special intermitant relay that allows you to set the delay while the car is in motion. Cool, eh?
In 1996 mandate from the EPA (Environmental Big Brother) required cars sold in the United States to be equipped with ODB-II... an evil protocal specifically designed to herass you until you take your car to a mechanic; which means the no-tools diagnostic "connector" under the hood was removed so you couldn't reset the MIL light (That's really in the law). 1995 got this port, as well as the diagnostic connector. Also in 1996, look forward to the service light that requires it's own $200 tool, or a Volvo dealership to reset.
The headliner dosn't fall, the reverse lens dosn't fall out, and we still got the gas-tank hatch in the trunk. Life's good in the 850.
On a side note, I wish Volvo still made the 240, 7xx, and 9xx. I really love my 745 GLE. She's run forever, and shows no sign of stopping.
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| -- | Lucyen Gabbard
96 854 Turbo 90k / 86 745 GLE 240k |
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