|
Hi Steven
I see you have some replies - but here is some more info from a fellow Australian:
My 850R manual sedan has 185000kms now (i have had it from 140000kms) and a summary history (which I believe is typical) of the more significant items is as follows:
AC - now on to 3rd evaporator. With latest evap, pollen filter was fitted which should improve life.
Brakes (1) - ABS module died replaced at 170000 with a changeover repired one.
Brakes (2) - warped rear rotors, most likely because some bonehead didn't torque the wheel studs - replaced with non-factory.
Steering rack - changeover at 140000 kms. Was leaking oil.
Clutch - was heavy and noisy. Replaced at 160000 kms. Did rear main seal at same time. I notice you are considering an auto so this should not be an issue.
Heater matrix - replaced at 100000 kms. Was leaking.
Front wheel bearing (only one side) at 160000 kms.
Drivers door checkstrap - badly damaged chassis side anchor point. Had it welded up for $50.
Wheels - should have volans (17x7) on it I believe. Prone to damage from potholes and the like. New replacements are Aus$645 each so check them well. Spare should be same as what is on the car. Can get them repaired for about $150 each if only slightly whacked but it is hard to match the original finish - might as well repaint all 5 of them.
Heater hoses (block to firewall) - one leaked, both replaced - expensive hoses from Volvo.
Climate control - one actuator motor and one sensor at 140000 kms. If there is something amiss with the climate control, the two orange leds on the ECC panel will flash for about 20secs when you start the car.
Engine torque arm bush - a regular replacement but not expensive. I use the original rubber ones 'cos I have found the "plastic" ones to be too harsh. Just consider them to be a 40000 km consumable.
Presently the car is in good shape and running well. Standing up well to the wear and tear of Melbourne traffic. A bit of a sleeper 'cos few people know what an 850R is.
Before I bought the car, when the heater matrix failed, the engine was cooked and required a head rebuild. This cost a heap! Should not have happened if the previous owner was watching out for the coolant level light.
One key is to maintain it regularly (Check service history and receipts), give it frequent oil changes, and make sure the timing belt is changed on schedule. Find a non-factory service mechanic. I save about 50% on my maintenance costs doing this and get better service in terms of providing options (ie types of brake rotors & pads, changeover parts, free loan car, etc.
They tell me if it is an 850, there will always be three things wrong with it (I agree), so provided these are trivial then all is well.
My 850R is fun to drive. I chipped it (Powerchip) a couple of weeks ago and the fun meter has been turned up somwhat it is also more economical than before. I have always run it on Optimax or similar premium unleaded. I consider the maintenance and repairs to not be abnormal compared to other cars that I have owned.
Wolfgang
|
