Hi Steven...

An "R" huh? Kinda like having an artist in the family... flaky and often in need of a loan, but where else are you gonna find this kind of entertainment?

I think that many Volvo owners in general, and 850/70 type owners in particular, have had similar problems, but, in the long run, decided to keep their cars. For some reason.... is there such a thing as "charisma" in a car?.... we seem to find some not-quite-identifiable quality to these things that's hard to resist.

I think that "R" models were most likely to have been purchased by folks who value the more extreme nature of a "factory hot rod", and are more likely to have explored its performance envelope more frequently than commuter types. As such, I'd expect to find more down-stream repair/rebuild costs than might be desirable. I hope you were aware of this before you purchased yours.

How about giving us a bit more info... what part of the world are you in? How much mileage is on it? Do you know/have its service history? Do you enjoy driving it? You also didn't mention how much you paid for it, or the condition of the body and interior.

Perhaps most importantly, what was it about the car that attracted you in the first place? I mean, unless you come across someone who knows about Volvos, your car is one of the ultimate "sleepers" when it comes to the Stop Light Gran Prix, and if you're in hilly or twisty country, you'd be hard pressed to find a car that you can have more fun in, and then haul a half ton of "stuff". Plus, it's one of the safest things on the road.

By the way, I'm a 58 year old not-quite-reformed hot rodder from New York, and I too am beginning to have a bit of an issue with the low seating position... the girl in the Corolla next to me seems to be sitting a foot higher, and is forever splashing me... and your "R" is lower than my Turbo!!! But then again, a slight nudge on the gas, and ...... :))

I vote to keep it (keeping in mind that there are still a few monsters lurking out there, and both your wallet and your patience will again be their targets).


Marty
'96 855T