Hello everyone, I'm new to the world of Volvos. Basically, I have stumbled on a 1993 850 GLT. The Purchase price is only $3000. I'm looking for a comfy daily driver euro sedan, and I really like the 850-S70 Line. The car I'm looking at is in good overall shape. The body and interior are very clean and it drives great. It's very tight, solid, and rattle free. As of now, the AC doesn't work, the odometer doesn't work, and the antenna doesn't completely retract. With the little research I have done, I know these are three common problems. I know I can replace the odometer gear and antenna mast myself, but the AC is another story. I don't know how many miles the car has exactly, but I'm estimating it having only between 85,xxx-87,xxx miles. The last recorded odometer reading at service was about a year ago and it read 75,679 miles. Using the law of averages is how I came to the mileage estimate. I know the car doesn't have more than 90,000. It's also a one owner car. The timing belt has been done, all the major services have been done. From ten feet, the car is a visual 8.5 out of 10. It also seems to be loaded up. It has a moonroof, leather, heated Seats, power/memory seat, keyless entry, fog lights, dual zone auto climate control, child safety seat, trunk pass through, alloy wheels, traction control etc. I don't know which of these features were standard, but that's what it's got. The exterior is White, and the interior is Black.

Basically, I'm trying to figure out if this is a good reliable daily driver. Also, is the price as good as I think it is? I'm prepared for worst case when estimating it needing about $2000 invested to make it perfect. So, all said and done, will it be worth sinking $5000 (total) into it, or sould I buy an Accord? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I'm looking at this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31878&item=2479532992&rd=1

and came looking for advice as well. I won't get it (I'd like to); just playing around.
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maclords; '90 740T 99,000

My background - I have a '93 with 262,000 miles and a '94 855 with 167,000 miles.

My advice - unless you like tinkering and waiting on parts avoid the '93. Many under-the hood changes went into '94 & up makes '93 an odd year for parts like brakes, rotors, calipers etc. More then once have have to send part back that was supposed to fit but didn't.

Also many issues were fixed as the years went on

I agree, a 95 or 96 would be a better bet, and I would consider a turbo, the difference is significant.

#1 rule of thumb; never buy the first year of anything,

exception to rule: 11 years later, if all of the demons have been exorcised, it will probably be a good car.

However, in your case, I think some demons are lingering. The 1993 transmissions are weak. I saw no mention of that being replaced. The AC doesn't work, but then that's pretty common to all 850's (S70's for that matter). They ALL have weak evaporators. But the ECC units tended to be weak on the 93's as well, and if the compressor works, you're not gonna have much time left on that...I was replacing compressors in 93's and 94's last year, suspect this year it will be 95's.

If you figure you are going to have 5K in it before you are done, why not look at a 95 or 96, thay may need less?

Accord? Blasphemy! (Seriously, I think they are okay cars from what I've read)

Chris

Chris,

I have a '93 850 with an evaporator that apparently needs replacing. Basede on your post that I am responding to, you have had some experience with evaporators. Any suggestions as I approach the replacement? Any ways I can save some $$$ in the process?

Thanks fior your response.

Kyle

Glenwood, MD

Better price? I guess shop around; maybe find a shop that will allow you to provide the part if you give them dollars for mark-up.

We have them down pat now, and no longer draw straws, but if you haven't worked on your car before, this would not the job to start with. If you have worked on your car before, and feel comfortable dismantling the entire dash assembly of your car, all I can suggest is patience, a sense of humor, and the number for a mental health hotline in your back pocket.

Chris

Hi There:

I have a 1993 850 GLT, fully loaded, 100,000k, and I love it. I have a manual transmission however. . . I never use the AC being in San Francisco so that has never been a problem. While I usually agree with Chris in that you should steer clear of first productions, this could be the exception. However, for the potential amount of money you would have to pump into it to bring it up to speed, a newer model might be more appropriate. Then again--most of the problems have already been addressed.

Flee...steer away...flee!!
This is just not a good deal period. You are being gyped. My rules of law say 10K per year on mileage(15K if heavy). That turns out to be 110-150K. I dont see why you are being overly optimistic. A 93 with only 89K miles? c'mon! I agree, spend 5000 on a 95/96 instead. If you dont have the extra 2k now, heck...wait a few months later.Its worth it, than buying someone else's problems. Sounds like the car was used and abused so why give it the benefit of the doubt?? ANYONE can clean the interior and make it look good so dont be deceived. I dont think Hondas are all that they are made to appear..you get what you pay for generally, so unless you really know this guy, just search cars.com and see general values. You'll be amazed. Now I know this sounds bad getting -ve advice, but you gotta maintain your rational mind and not your whims. Whether its a private owner or dealer, there are sharks out there so dont rush...remember its your money and be willing to walk. I really hate to see someone get had like that. Ask abrupt and unrelated questions and see if he hesitates to answer or his pattern changes.These are tell-tale signs of deceit. Good luck and do tell us what you ended up buying.

However I will say it's not too unusual to have a lower mileage (93)--I JUST turned 100,000 miles on my 93. . .

Saturn ION's are dirt cheap right now, I was considering a new one to replace my 850. Don't laugh now. You'll be amazed at how well made they are, and the safety features are equal to an early-mid 90's Volvo. They even come with standard A/C filters, like the 850's.
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'94 854 N/A.