I've had my '93 854 GLT for about 2 years now and I really like the car, but considering it only has 123k and I've already had to do the rear main seal, 2 engine mounts, etc. I feel as if things are only going to keep going in this direction (it's still an improvement over my '85 Land Rover). Even though the car is running decently well for the time being, if I'm going to keep putting time and money into something, I'd really like to upgrade to a newer model (97-98 or so). Really what I'm looking for is a turbo with a manual tranny. Is this just impossible to find now? Were they even made? Any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated.
-Sean
'93 854 GLT 123k

You can pick up a nice 96-97T with automatic for a reasonable price and excellent performance. Then, if you really want a rocket ship, you can get an ECU and exhaust system performance upgrade from IPD which will cost only about $1200 and add 53HP...

I have heard about a few that exist. I can't remember if they were in Canada or Europe. You will pay dearly to own one.

R vs T5-R? With the exception of minor cosmetics they are essentially the same vehicle. And they get the extra burst of turbo (over the standard turbo) for 10 seconds.

As far as I know, there were no US market 850 Turbos with manual transmissions. However, both the S and V 70's and the S60 were sold from inception with high pressure Turbo and 5 speed. Not very common, but they aren't really "rare" either. I have read several auto reviews that suggested the Turbo was better matched with the auto (it is a really nice package, especially with the sport mode on transmission engaged). My sister in law has an S60 T-5 and I sort of agree - the action of the shifting and the clutch is not nearly on a par with say a BMW. However, she really loves it just the way it is, and it may jsut be a matter of spending some time getting aclimated. Moral, I guess, is to go find any T-5 5 speed and try it out before spending too much time on the search. I think all of teh T-5 5sp's are the same, even the S60.
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Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (171k), '93 965 (147k), '95 855T (60k), '98 V70XC (78k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k).

I believe the only place you'll find them is in Canada. unless a couple came over.
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run it hard, run it fast

Turbo with manual. I've only seen them on S70's. I have never seen that combination on an 850. I'm sure other people will concur that you can find 5 speed and turbo on an S70, but I haven't heard anything about an 850 turbo with manual (at least here in the US, I know they're common outside the states).

By the way, engine mounts and rear main seal are normal for the 850. I have 93k on my '94 854 and am doing the rear main seal this Thursday (estimated to be high $500's.) Engine mounts are around the corner I expect (knocks on wood).
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'94 854 N/A.