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Well- my two cents! I just got into 850s the past two years - on volvo number 61 since 79! Mostly 140s, 240s and 740s (strangely no 940s ever). My first 850 was a 1995 green sedan with 142K - great car - fixed the flame trap oil leak - got the car for 3200 two years ago - ny niece let a tree fall on it at Y camp this summer - gone for good!
Second 850 is a gold 93 wagon got for $900 two years ago right after buying the green one. It needed brakes, tires, interior clean up - timing belt and water pumpt radiator. I put 2000 in it. It had a trans changed at 150k and I got it at 160K - so that was a big plus. Having usual ac problems - worked last summer - but evaporater is probably shot. That said - it is by far a great car - put 2000 miles on it going to FLA and not a peep out of it. I absolutley love it. Has 175K and nothing has gone wrong - a sweetheart!
Third 850 is a 1994 ruby red wagon - got it this summer to replace the 95. Has 106K - had a few issue, ac needed a drier, did timing belt as prevention, had the gas tank recall, did all brakes paid 3950 (same as I got for insurance on 95) and put another 1600 in it so far. Changed trans fluid (was concerned as it was dirty when purchased) so far so - good. Having a nagging starting issue currently and two alloy rimms got destroyed in bad snow - love it but still needs some tlc - this one feels different than the 93 and 95 though!
Fourth 850 I just got off ebay last week - 93 blue sedan with 160K. Owner got hit in front with no collision insurance. Had four new Kuhmo tires on it as of 1/29/05 - paid 325 for the car (she paid 350 for tires at Sears) and swapped tires onto my gold 93 immediately - so I got the car for the tow price of 125. It needs a hood, radiator and consensor, bumper, turn assembly, maybe fenders. I am going to fix it for under $1000 if possible. Did run for tow truck guy but once I pulled the hood up , relays and wires broke - no start. No air bag deploy and no front suspension damage - both fenders might be salavaged and still work. Big project but I think it's a nice car with all records from day one. Amazed how may good car get shipped to junk yards when they need some fixing and can still run another 100K.
In terms of teen drivers, my niece drove a 740 initially, a 240 (wrecked it at IU) and then the 850 (junior in college). She didn't realize the 240s and 740s where slow until I got the first 95 850 two years ago and she took it away from her Mom! We still have a 88 740 she drives on occassion, but I plan to get into the v and s series or more 850s down the line. Can do less major work (like head replacement, rear mains and trans work) on 850s but the little 93 gold 850 has sold me - it runs better than my 88 240 sedan I ran for five years!! The 93 does not have the sips - I think that started in late 94 or 95. Not sure if my 94 wagon has sips or not!
Bob Weber
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
61 Volvos since 1979
VCOA member
http://home.cinci.rr.com/rweber6/
Economy still sucks in Ohio and I am a republican! Would like to vote over again!
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