Don't know if I should keep this car - 850R Wagon. I am probably reaching the critical mass ...
These are the repairs done so far ( I bought the car 6 months ago):
1. Changing the seals/gasket/o-ring around the timimng belt to stop oil leaks from the drivers site. Big job. $$$
2. Changing the rear engine seals, etc. Another big job. $$$
3. The air con is very weak. I can hear the relay clicking. By reading the postings it implies the evaporator - 6-7 hours labour. Third big job. $$$
4. The left rear break cylinder blocked and damaged the rear disks. They had to be replaced with new pads of course. $$$
5. One of the hinges on the driver's door had to be wielded. $$$
6. And few other minors. $

So far is seems like never ending story. Very frustrating. The car is less reliable then my old 740 Turbo 89 (260K km). I am absolutely convinced. Not to mention Toyota Camry - legendary reliability.
On the other hand I like how 850 drives and handles. It is very addictive - don't know way. It is also very fast, can't deny it.
So do I sell it, or keep it ? Spent a lot of money ... but what's next ?
Any opinion will be appreciated. Have you had similar dilemma ?

Cheers Steven
850 R Wagon 130K (km), 740T 260K (km)

Ha!
Here's my story. I bought a 96 turbo wagon two years ago and this is what I have so far had done:
rear main seal
new clutch (didn't really need it, but he was in there anyway replacing the seal)
timing belt
water pump
fuel pump
several suspension parts
seized brake caliper
major tune-up (replaced all fluids)
abs computer repair

here's what still needs to be done:
a/c not working properly
rear wiper mechanism is seized
both headlight wipers not working
needs new pads and rotors
needs new tires next spring

I have invested so much money into my car that it is not worth selling at this point, but more importantly, it is the best car I have ever driven and I can haul tons of stuff around along with my wife, two kids and a dog. It's been said before; if you want reliability, go buy a Toyota.

Hmm. Unfortunate timing. Many of the areas you mentioned are known problems that have cost many people many $. As VF said, you CAN get the car into good shape by correcting these (not cheap) problems. It will be hard to sell the car with these problems, by the way. The good thing is these are the big ones (other than tranny). Good in that if you fix them, you are good to go. Tough decision. Good luck.

ps I'll bet several people here have gone through these problems. They are browsing here (many) because they still own an 850. You pointed out that the ride is addictive (:

sounds like you may have bought one that wasn't maintained well. a shame. Need to identify all the projected costs along with regular maintenance and determine what is acceptable to spend.

If the engine is in decent shape and the trans fluid looks ok, it is possible to get this back into shape and run it a long time...but it ain't gonna be cheap. if your this frustrated already, might be time to get a toyota or something that meets your expectations. or find a volvo in good shape. Did you not notice these problems when you picked it up 6 mos ago???