hey guys, I am new to this forum. I am usually an Audi guy but my dad is wanting to purchase a 1997 Volvo 850 with 71000 miles. The price is 3000. I do not know the trim of the car yet. I will know that tom. Is there anything i should look for or be aware of before i decide to buy this car? Also does this car have a Timing belt or chain? thanks for the input, any help will be awesome.

TO help you checkout the car, go here http://www.volvo-forums.com/t3118-things-t...g-a-new-car.htm

Thanks for your help. :)

Sure thing.

bump anyone know if its a belt or chain? or what i should look out for.

Its definitely a belt.
No chains in there.

how often does it need to be changed and how much of a PITA is it to change it?

im pretty sure 70k miles is around the time you want to be changing the belt. i just changed mine for second time at 130k

if your not sure if it has been changed and ur at 70k, definitely change it. 100%

its a major pain in the ****, get a mechanic to do it, should cost around $300 if it cost roughly 150 here in uk. its def not something to try if you have no experiance, get it wrong and you will be spending many thousand on a engine/rebuild.


sean

depends on how mechanically inclined you are. the major pita part is the fact that you have to be real careful when installing the belt. if any oil gets on the belt, you will have to remove it, clean it and do it again. also, because of the location of the belt, the removal and installation of the belt requires you to get to it from the top and the bottom. there is a flap that must be pulled up in the wheel well for you to access the bottom. use a clamp, otherwise it will whip back and it does it when your arms are in the way. first hand knowledge. not fun. if you are not that mechanically advanced, get a mech to do it.

I think i am pretty mechanically inclined but out of curiosity what would a mechanic charge for it in the US. I have changes TBs before but i just want a little insight before i jump into anything.

300-600 i think

try more. depends on your locale. here in new york, anywhere from 400 for a regular mech to 450-500 for a neighborhood volvo mech to 600 and up for a dealership. try cartalk.com for the mechanic locator and add your zip to find one in your area. shop around and find one who knows volvos. keep us posted as to your progress.

Alright thanks for all of the help guys. I guess i have to make new friends with volvos lol my friends have audis :banana:

$600 USD in Kentucky at an independent shop.

Labour for Timing-belt changing = RM60 in Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia.

HEHEHEHEH

I get mine done for 150. I live in upper east Tennessee. :grouphug: It says right on my car every 50,000 miles.

thats pretty cool. Im going to ETSU next year. So is that price with belt of without?

With. Out of a crappy lookin old shop by a dude that hates Volvo's but he gets the job done.