I purchased a '95 850 non-turbo sedan today with 131K for $2K. Pretty clean with recent dealer-serviced AC (My main impetus. It is August, after all.). Been driving a '92 740 wagon for the past few years. I can't begin to explain how fun it was to drive this home in comparison to the 740. Really smooth drivetrain...nice. I found myself wanting to brake as I entered turns...at first I feel the entry like I do in my 740...but WOW, just a little more turn of the wheel and the 850 is on rails! Didn't realize what I was missing.

I've done lots of work myself on the 740: full suspension (struts,ball joints,bushings), timing belt, brakes, etc. I got the tools, but I'm getting old and lazy.

Is there a resource like the 700/900 FAQ for the 850? In particular, I do not know the status of the timing belt on this car and want to replace it ASAP. Any advice? Couple hours on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee, or a long, sweaty day cussing at busted knuckles and throwing tools? Should I just pay a shop to do it? (Like I said, I'm lazy, but I forgot to tell you that I'm also cheap, so that needs to be part of the zen-balance equation.)

Oh, there are plenty of other items I'll need help with, but the timing belt is paramount. I really just wanted to introduce myself to the 850 list and seek the sage advice within...

Thanks!!!
--
'92 745 B230F