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Thread: OT+ To Volvo or not?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    151

    Default OT+ To Volvo or not?

    Ladies and gents, this is in conjunction with my other post regarding my family's new arrival. We own a '97 Honda Accord LX with 135K miles, (yes, it is s-l-o-w compared to the 540 ) and I am considering trading this car for a '94 Volvo 850 Wagon. It is a 2.4 Liter 5 cylinder, non-turbo, leather, 103K Miles. Do any of you wise ones have any real-world experience with the 850 or the Volvo 5-cylinder engine or 4-speed automatic transmission in general? I have been to Sweedespeed, Volvoforums, and Volvospeed on the 'net, and have done much research. However, I value the opinions of those on this forum highly and beg for your wisdom. I have even contemplated selling the 540i to obtain an even newer Volvo. We are extremely limited on cash, and are looking to trade straight up or owe very little. Input greatly desired.

    Thankee very much, Giff

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Evanston, IL
    Posts
    443

    Default Use this link...

    ...go to www.brickboard.com and do a search for the vehicle you are looking for. We have a 1998 V70 T5 with 103,000 miles and love it but you have to be careful with Volvos and choose the year with the least amount of problems for your budget. One year can make thousands of dollars difference in maintenance. Make sure you have a good indy to take care of the small stuff as well as the big ticket items. Whereabouts do you live?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    151

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Black 535i
    ...go to www.brickboard.com and do a search for the vehicle you are looking for. We have a 1998 V70 T5 with 103,000 miles and love it but you have to be careful with Volvos and choose the year with the least amount of problems for your budget. One year can make thousands of dollars difference in maintenance. Make sure you have a good indy to take care of the small stuff as well as the big ticket items. Whereabouts do you live?
    I live in Knoxville, TN. There is a reputable shop here called European Motor Werks on Sutherland Avenue. From what I have read, the 93's are generally to be avoided, and that they made subtle improvements through to '97... They ALL have a reputation for leaky A/C condensers ($1K)... Is the V70 the only Volvo you have ever owned?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    kingsbridge, devon, uk
    Posts
    626

    Default

    get a turbo one

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    151

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by nizmainiac
    get a turbo one
    turbo maintenance scares me. Should I not be afraid?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    529

    Default

    I have a 98 S70 GLT turbo 5 cyl automatic w/116k miles. Great car, very reliable. Wanna buy it?


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Lincoln, NE
    Posts
    559

    Default

    I wouldn't worry too much about turbos on a Volvo, those swedes are pretty good with hair dryers.

    I would stay away from an early 850, though, like the 93-95s. Unless it was really clean and had excellent maintenance history. The early FWD cars don't have a great reputation. You probably already know that from your research.

    My only experience is with my 419,000km 740 turbo. It's a tank, I'm selling it to my little brother as his first car. If nobody pops the motor by running it dry of oil, it'll run forever.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Knoxville, TN
    Posts
    151

    Default

    [QUOTE=Mr Project]I wouldn't worry too much about turbos on a Volvo, those swedes are pretty good with hair dryers.

    teehee, hair dryers...

    Ken, looking for a wagon; but nice try

    Yes, MP; I have seen good and bad about the FWD Bricks. The more input I get, and the more research I do; the more I think I need to dive into a late '80's / early '90's Volvo... Hmmm, anyone else?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    529

    Default

    No problem, and congrats on the beautiful daughter!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    baton rouge, loserana
    Posts
    6,922

    Default

    if you want a really good volvo get a 940 with or without turbo (turbos last a long time 200+k miles with 3k oil changes) tranny failures are rare, or a 91-93 240, the 93 850 is a bastard one year only pain in the ass (sorta like a 84 190e mercedes, nothing on the car is the same as the next year) 94-95 ain't terrible, prone to oil leaks mainly due to not cleaning/replacing the flame trap allowing crankcase pressure to build and blow seals, timing belt kills the motor when it breaks, ac evap takes about 6 hours of labor (aftermarket evaps SUCK get factory) rear main seal requiers dropping the engine/tranny/front suspension out of the car if you don't have access to the factory tool (which still takes the same 8-9 odd hours to do it without dropping the drivetrain)
    all america wants is cold beer warm cat and a place to take a poop with a door on it

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