|
so i looked at this '94 850 over the weekend ( no turbo)w/ 144 K but very well maintained, they've replaced the a/c evaporator, the rear main seals, new timing belt at 120 K, and brand new tires. tranny shifts fine w/ no clunks. they wanted $5,900 but are now willing to take $5,000.
but, having seen better consumer ratings for the 940, i've tested a couple and see one online, a '94 w/ 120 K for $4,800 (NT), a 'certified' car, looks very clean w/ all records, no major repairs ... didn't ask if it's the 8 valve or what...
so i'm unsure. i like the styling of the 850 better, a little curvier around the edges, and the economy/sport thing and traction control could come in handy, but a couple volvo mechanics have told me the 940's the better car. yet, if i forget the extra miles on the 850, the bonus is they've already done the big repairs, although i saw one guy who had to do the a/ c evap TWICE...
the 940's i've driven were great. i'm sure i'd be happy w/ it. i'm just wondering if it's worth it to get the 850 for the sake of added performance and the slightly 'sexier' style ( i AM still single, after all ... :)
any thoughts?
thanks, byron
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be rwturbo
on
Thu Apr 3 14:46 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
well no offence to the 850 lovers out there but there is no question there as far as I am concerned if you want a very reliable and very abuse taking car go with the 900 the 850 are great but I work on volvo's for a living and have over 100 customers and the 850 seems to me like a cheaper made car at 100,000 miles they ride and need repair like a 2,7,900 with 250,000 miles and if you want an even more reliable car get a 200 series the origanal iron horse. I think ford already ha there hands in the company with the 850 even down to the interior and plastics seem to not hold up well please dont hate me yall 850 owners they are a great ride and sound great but its just my perfrence. Most 850"s need front wheel bearings between 80-100k at about 300 dollors each not to include the ever breaking sway bar end links. just be carefull in the nine market with self leveling rear suspension a pain and expensive.4 700s neither less than 200k a 97 960 and my best ever 1978 244 with 439,000 miles and only had bearings put in no rings and adeed 84 electro injection. all odometer readings documented.
|
|
-
|
My eyes, hands, and right foot all love the 850. Heck, I think they even SOUND cool. But at the end of the day, when it's my money going out the door, my choice would definitely be the 940, for all the reasons the others have mentioned.
Best of luck with your decision.
--
Guid ('88 244DL 224k, '92 745 173k)
|
|
-
|
The 940 was originally designed in the 60's... not quite true but almost. From the Amazon and onwards, Volvo built a type of car with a certain philisophy. Drivetrains were all related. In the late 80's, Volvo decided that the future was different, the old Volvos would no longer appeal to the car owner of the future. They literally locked ALL their blueprints in the cupboard and started from scratch. The result was the 850 which is not only different from a 940 in design but nothing is the same. True indeed, check the individual cars out and make sure they are kosher but at the end of the day, they are to different to compare like that.
--
George Holmer, Belgium, Europe, 1987 745 GLE Turbo Diesel Intercooler (D24TIC/M46) 200k; 1988 745 Turbo Intercooler (B230FT/M46) 290k; 1988 745 GL (B200E/M47) 190k
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be 850 owner
on
Thu Apr 3 03:08 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
|
Hi there---
I bought a '94 850 (sedan, n/t) with 70k miles for $9995 back in 1/02, and I have just picked up a '94 940 (sedan, n/t) with 169k for $2800. Here's my perspective:
I think the 850 is a very well made car. It rides, handles, and accelerates pretty well. There's a lot of nice features and luxuries on the 850. It is, however, a nearly 10-year old car, but the design is closer to a new Volvo than you might think.
I needed a "beater" car for work, so I picked up the '94 940. I put on a lot of miles and carry people for work, so I needed something I can rack up miles on, and I didn't want to use my cream puff 850. Honestly, the 940 is an excellent car, and I would feel guilty for wearing and tearing it if I didn't spend so little for it.
The 940 is seriously reliable, due to the fact that it shares the same drivetrain and interior as the 740 series, if not for a few cosmetic updates over the years. The rear-wheel drive feels more stable on the road, and personally I feel it handles the highway better than a FWD 850. The 940's acceleration does not come CLOSE to an 850, however. The 850 is way faster and feels better for racing and quick manuevers.
The 850 is not a bad car at all, but it can be hard to maintain, with expensive parts and labor rates. If you fix your cars yourself, the 850 may not be a bad choice. But with over 100,000 miles, I'd shy away from an 850.
Bottom line: If I were in your place (given the two cars), I would go for the 940. I think the 850 is a bit nicer to own and drive, but I'd only buy one with low mileage. 940's can take a LOT more abuse than an 850. They are just way sturdier cars. Owning an 850 feels almost like owning a Japanese car: it feels very nimble and light in comparison. You can find an 850 with less miles for $6000 though. Just look around. If I had to keep one car though, of course it would be the 850, because I do all my own repairs
(Thanks to Brickboard : ) )
Take a look at the two forums and compare the repairs on a 940 to an 850 to help you make your decision as well. I feel that the forums represent the two cars pretty good.
|
|
-
|
volvo sold out with the 850
|
|
-
|
They're both good cars. Just totally different approaches to transportation. The 940 will either be a regular 8-valve B230F engine or a turbo B230FT - no 16-valve cars after 1991. (Thankfully!)
The 940 was being sold then as the "base" Volvo, the economy model if you will- a lot of them have less-luxurious options in later years. See exactly how it's equipped and see if you'll be happy with it.
The 940 is very large inside, and a very smooth riding comfortable car.
The 850 is a bit smaller and firmer, some people think the ride is rough. IF you're used to firm suspension, or a sport sedan feel, it's definitely the car to choose. The 850 also comes with a LOT of standard equipment, even if it's not a GLT or Turbo. They all have power locks, windows, and mirrors. They have tilt/ telescope wheel and cruise. They all have split vent controls. They all have ABS and dual airbags.
It may have: TRACS traction control, power seat (maybe 2!), power glass sunroof, trip computer, CD in-dash or 6-disc changer, leather seats, heated seats, a rear spoiler, alloys, and front fog lights.
1994 models don't say "GLT" on them when they're a fancy model. However, if it's equipped with the sunroof, it's a GLT package car. Turbos are equipped as GLTs, but add TRACS standard, and 16" alloy wheels.
I would compare prices two places before you decide:
www.bargainnews.com
www.theautowerkes.com
Happy hunting!
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: "Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!"
|
|
|
|
|