Keep the 850 for yourself and get your son an early '90s 740 or 940. He won't be able to hurt it and he'll be well protected as well. R134 AC, SIPS, Airbag and EASY to work on when needed. I had the trans out of my '88 745t for a clutch job & rear seal in under 2 hours. Try that with an 850.

They're a great, solid, simple design that you'll be able to get parts out of a salvage yard for.

I was 16 once and I had a '70 Datsun 510 sedan. The 740/940 is a 510 with a real steel body. Forget the newer Volvo.

Can't go wrong with a red engined brick.

Cheers,
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Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 193,000 miles, '95 855t 96,000 miles

I have a 1993 240 wagon (115,000) and a 1995 850 turbo(111,000), I have gone thru all of the usual replacement parts on the 850, the last and only time it was in a Volvo dearlership for a minor hose problem out of town, I ask two service advisors for their opinion. they both said a S 60 series without hesitation. Looks good to me, did a little research on the BB, look at how many threads for the 850 and the S80, then compare the S60, it could be low due to the low ownership or could it be some other reason. Just my humble opinion, remember just like other parts of the body every has an opinion.

I agree, stick with a 70 series volvo, since you are familiar with it.

Get a GLT model(light pressure turbo), you get a lot of power for little money, compared to a T5(high pressure turbo). Take your time, be patient and you'll find the one owner, well maintained jewel you are looking for, at a great price.
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'98 v70 GLT John, Tampa Bay

i suggest you do a search on s80 on here..you may decide it isnt such a good idea...if I was in your shoes I think i would look for a nice modern s/v70, its an 850 in reality so its pretty much what you have but sorted...you will be familier with it (so its easy to maintain!) and its at the end of its model life so its about as sorted as its going to get..