My experience with ex-wife's 850 was very positive. The first one was t-boned and totaled at 3 yrs old (side air bag and substantial construction saved my son from serious injury), and I replaced it with another '97. Around 90K or so I switched to Mobil 1 and had no problems whatsoever, and starting the car on sub-zero mornings was a bit easier.

Never had to fool with the electronics. Brake jobs and strut replacements were easier than the 240's, by far. Used Bilstein HDs which made the handling crisper with no ride deterioration. PBR Metal Masters for pads - good life, minimal dust, and Bridgestone Potenza RE950 205/60's for excellent handling, esp. in the wet.

I routinely used 89 or 91 oct gas, but the occasional tank of off-brand, 87 oct weasel piss never seemed to hurt it. Engine management system prevents serious knock.

I'm no FWD fan, but the 850 was about the best I've experienced. The auto trans was extremely well-matched to the engine characteristics, which made this old gear shifter not miss the stick too much. Still, I lusted after a manual trans model and I still keep my eyes open for one.


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Thank goodness we don't get all the government we pay for. -- Wiley Post