I am about to purchase a 1996 850 5-speed,105K-miles. 850's are new turf to me, I've been around 240's my whole life. What kind of suprises if any should I expect. Are there any idiocycracies I need to know about?

I just remembered something about an important recall on all 850's!? Does anybody know what it is. It was issued about 6-months ago. I'm going to buy the 850 5-speed this weekend..

Leaking fuel tank.

The motor mount under the crank pulley should be checked and the rear spring bumpers tend to come loose. Compressor ac lines tend to start leaking after around 8-10 years and be sure to install a cabin intake air filter if it's not there allready. Make sure the timing belt was replaced at 70k. If not replace it ASAP! Replace the camm rotation sensor. It's relatively easy and inexpensive ($50-60) and will leave you stranded when it goes bad. Wish my '95 GLT was a 5 spd... Good luck. Lots of good help here if you need it.

It's front wheel drive and that takes a while to get used to. The 850 has more bhp/torque, the inside door handles are easier to use, there are more computers, and the engine is harder to work on. Remember, the tranny is on the driver's side. Good thing you got a manual, the autos are tempramental.

Rotate your tires, front to back same side, every 5-8K miles. When they wear down, replace all four. Find 4 rims on Ebay and get snow tires for the winter season if you live in IL, if you live in GA, don't bother.

Look in the phone book for your nearest Autozone. They will read the OBD codes for you for free! Buy your wax and cleaners there.

It's not a 240 brick so don't bang it up. Just enjoy it. If the AC is weak, add some more r134a and never turn off the AC at the dashboard. Use S around town, E on the highway, and never use cruise control with S selected (too many down shifts).

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Klaus wrote above to never turn of the AC at the dashboard. I wondered why. I have had mine off most of the time. Isn't the AC on all the time if the switch isn't off? I charged mine last fall and run it at least onece a week to keep the seals lubricated.

Thanks for any information.

Arne

96 850 GLT NA 5-speed 83K

Arne,
Climate control will determine whether or not the AC is used to keep the car cool. If the AC is always switched on, everytime you turn the car on the ECU will cycle the AC at least once as a check and that will keep the seals from drying out. Let the ECU take care of the heat/cooling and just keep your temp setting in the same place all of the time. One less thing to worry about.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Klaus,

Thanks for the information.

Arne

What about the shocks and struts and gaskets and seals. When do they generally need to be replaced?
Chris
'85 240(257K),'93 240 (253K)-automatic transmission died last week, hence the new car!
I will be selling the '93 after the tranny transplant. It's a 240 classic.. #1303/1600... original everything.original wheels, 1 badly damaged and a set of turbo wheels. I've yet to set a price, but opinions will be gladly welcomed. All plastics on the interior are in-tact.
Chris

Shock & struts usually last 150K, depending on road conditions. The rubber coil stops last about 8 years before they dry out. Gaskets and seals? Depends on oil pressure/manifold pressure, that is why it is important to keep the flame trap clean.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)