Subject says it all--I'm trying to decide what to replace my '94 Turbo sedan with. I haven't gotten to drive the T-5 yet but am curious as to how it compares, ride-wise and performance-wise (a little extra torque and hp), and also about interior quality of the S70.

The '96 850 is the "platinum" edition and has TRACS among the options--I don't know if the S70 does, or if it's even important (my '94 didn't have it but could have used a little bad-weather help).

The S70 has 18K more miles and the asking price is $2K more.

Opinions? Year-specific problems/info? Thanks in advance!

Go for the S70. Unless there are no service records. The 98s have a reasonably good record for the turbo models.

--
98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

I have a 1996 850 Turbo wagon. The 96 is a "T-5" (B5234T engine), there's just no emblem to that effect on the car. I think the T-5 designation started in 1997. Anyway, it's a blast to drive but not to live with. Got the car at 66k, now has 96k...have serviced it religously but alas, have had *many* of the common 850 problem$ with ABS module, suspension, heater core, electrical stuff, and so on. Many, or all, of these problems will be in the S70 too.

Maintenance is the key issue to avoiding or at least delaying the repairs. Assuming each car has good records, and assuming both were properly maintained, I think I'd go for the newer car, despite the extra 18k miles.

Good luck!

--Dan L.
96 855T, 96k miles
93 Camry Wagon 115k miles