Volvo guys 97 850T "R"?? Any good?

lendaddy · 08-09-2008, 12:50 PM

This would be for a 21 year old non gearhead. Has 120k miles and can be had for $4k.

I am not certain if the car is a real R or if it just has the body accents/wheels. Maybe that's all the R model was?

Thanks!

speeder · speeder's Garage

The 850-R in '97 had the highest pressure turbo, (250hp?), different tuned suspension and bigger rims + different interior and different exterior trim. Does it have a suede interior? If so, it's an "R". If not, it's not.

Fantastic cars all-around, but heavy and fairly thirsty. MMarsh has a modded 850 wagon and I had a '98 V-70R which was similar but had AWD. I would really recommend one of the milder variants, especially the NA version for someone who doesn't need to smoke the tires. Less maintenance, 87 octane fuel + great mileage, probably had an easier life, etc... These cars sold fairly well so they are plentiful on ebay and of course it's a buyer's market for anything that gets less than 30 mpg these days.

lendaddy · 08-09-2008, 01:42 PM

Thanks, so a non car guy should stay away? This kid is putting himself through school and doesn't need any headaches. Can you rank the reliability with some cars I might know? Thanks.

lendaddy · 08-09-2008, 01:45 PM

Also maintenance, good/bad/ugly? He will do NOTHING himself and will be at the mercy of the shops.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Get a Toyota. Seriously. They're the best *point and shoot* cars.

VincentVega · 08-09-2008, 05:46 PM

Nice car, but not cheap to fix when the turbo goes. Not saying it's going to happen tomorrow, but it get's spendy fast when it happens. For a non enthusiast I'd recommend the standard 850, a subby or an Accord.

lendaddy · 08-10-2008, 05:17 AM

Thanks guys.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by lendaddy

Thanks, so a non car guy should stay away? This kid is putting himself through school and doesn't need any headaches. Can you rank the reliability with some cars I might know? Thanks.

I would advise a commuting utensil, you know, a honda or toyota, miata if you want sporty. Honda B series 4 cylinder is a great motor, especially with the right head and cams.

Have had several mechanics tell me Volvo's are sort of a PITA to work on. Would rather adjust valves on 914's all day is what one said.

jhynesrockmtn · 08-10-2008, 05:40 AM

One of my buddies is the service manager at the local volvo dealership. For a 21 YO who needs a commuter, stay away. Honestly, my friend loves Volvos but after listening to him, I wouldn't buy one, especially an older 850 turbo. Things are expensive to fix and no Volvo gets good mileage compared to a Toyota or Honda small or mid size car.

Porsche_monkey · 08-10-2008, 05:48 AM

I have the same year, same car, but regular 850. Five cylinder low pressure turbo.

I think the R is a potential headache, but the regular wagon/sedan would be ideal for a student.

lendaddy · 08-10-2008, 06:24 AM

No one commented on the price. $4k???

Porsche_monkey · 08-10-2008, 06:28 AM

I do not see that as a 'bargain'. Probably a fair price if it is a solid car. But I thinking more about the regular 850 pricing, I do not know if the 'R' series gets a premium, and I still do not know if the car is a real R.

For the right person it could be a very good deal. You would have a 'pretty nice' car that could easily do another 100,000 miles.

Is it a real R?
Is is a sedan or wagon?
Are there maintenance records?
Auto or manual?

We need a few more details....

lendaddy · 08-10-2008, 06:29 AM

I found out it is a real R.

jhynesrockmtn · 08-10-2008, 06:30 AM

Quote:

No one commented on the price. $4k???

My buddy, Scott, had a beautiful late 90's 850 turbo wagon, not an R but it had much lower miles and he'd gone through and fixed everything including a new turbo, had the dealership guys detail, etc. Sold it for maybe $5,000. They don't hold their values well. An R may be a different deal but folks know at 120,000 miles you're entering a zone where things are going to start breaking. If you're not the service manager at the dealer it gets expensive quick.

Porsche_monkey · 08-10-2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

They don't hold their values well.

True, and all the more reason to buy one. They are boring, but cheap and very reliable.

I mean really, give any 21 y.o. a choice between an old Civic and a Volvo....who's gonna pick the V-car? Remember the line from the movie? "They're boxy but they're good".

One more thing Len: For your location? Put four good snow tires on that car and it is as competent in the snow as an SUV. I know, I had both. The 4 wheel drive was not a lot better than the Volvo, and the Volvo could stop better.

Halm · 08-10-2008, 07:01 AM

We had a 850-T which is pretty much the same expect either HP or torque as I remember. A real "sleeper" car. It was clearly the best (non-Porsche) we ever owned. Drove the snot out of it for 150k and sold it. Many times in the last year we wish we hadn't. No major problems that I remember: one front wheel bearing, the circuit board for the ABS that was a PITA but owner replaceable, oil and filter. And we would get 25-26 mph on the highway at 75-80.