Hi Jeremy

Build quality is just as good, if not better in some ways, compared to the 240. For example, 940's rarely seem to suffer cracked dashboards or other trim problems. Having said that my 940 does have some vinyl on the dash top lifting up but has been like that since I bought the car nearly 12 years ago and hasn't got any worse.

All the controls feel solid, the doors close with a nice firm thud.

Some jobs are easier on a 940 such as changing a heater fan (have a search on brickboard about this job on a 240....).

As far as parts go, I've never had any problems sourcing parts. Most Volvo wreckers will have 940 parts available. Things like spark plugs & tyres are easily available at places like Supercheap, Bob Jane, etc. Recently I've been sourcing parts from Ipd or FCPGroton. With the Aussie dollar so high it's often cheaper this way. For example, a distributor rotor for my 940 was about $65 at Supercheap or Volvo. At Ipd it was around US$10. If you buy a few things that you can use in future such as filters, clips (ignition lead clips are good to have on hand as they tend to break easily) then the cost of shipping isn't so bad.

I don't have much experience with 850's to offer an opinion on them but just be aware they usually have more electrical 'stuff' on them that can potentially go wrong. Automatic transmissions are electronically controlled whereas on 940's they are all mechanical except for the overdrive function. I have heard that they tend to go through air conditioning evaporators, too but I'm not sure why. That's the part under the dash and I imagine that would be a tough job to replace. They certainly drive nice enough - better than a 940 in every way. Insurance would probably be more expensive, too.

Hope this helps. I know I've gone on a bit but I'd like you to be able to make an informed choice. Good luck.

Brad
91 940GL