Hi, all!
After doing some reading here, I have a bunch of questions regarding my husband's "new" 850's stereo system.

Basically, it has no CD player, and he wants one! I am wondering what the easiest/ most cost effective way to get one might be.

If he buys a used one from EBay, or from a junk yard, how can we avoid the dreaded code experience?

How much should we expect to pay?

Could a person that doesn't know their way around under the hood (or behind the dash) handle the install, or should I factor in labor? If so, how much should I expect to pay?

Should he just get an after market stereo/CD player? I kind of like the ones that came in the car originally (we have 2 other Volvos, and the stereos are just fine!)

Should I just look into one of those things that plug into the cassette player that connects to his MP3 player?

A lot of questions, I know! I really appreciate any help that anyone can offer!

TIA,
Sharon

Well, depending on your budget, you have several options (not presented in any specific order)

1. Find a used Volvo OEM CD changer (if your head unit has CD changer controls) Used changers arenot too hard to find although many do not include the long changer cable (I do have one if it might be needed)

2. Buy a new or used (or even Open Box Buy) aftermarket CD changer that broadcasts on on radio frequency so you just tune your radio to a particluar low FM frequency. Personally I do no like this type of setup and in busy cities you can get interference with it, or poor performance if you dont mount it near the antenna (if you have a the film style antenna on a window).

3. Forgoe the CD player and use an MP3 player via a cassette adapter (assuming you dont mind ripping CDs to MP3s on your computer).

4. Buy the Ipod kit from Volvo and use and Ipod (hawever Ipodsare not exactly cheap and this probably isnt the best choice).

5. Replace the stock OEM head unit with a new aftermarket one that is better, with more functions and does what you want. (it isnt uncommon now to get a head unit that has CD, Ipod capability, auxillary inputsfor MP3 players, USB, etc....all probably cheaper than buying a new basic head unit from Volvo).

Personally, my choice would just be to replace the head unit with a better one. It is not the cheapest alternative, and if you are not familiar with doing so or just don't like doing that type of thing, having someone else do it will increase the cost even more. Again, it all really depends on what budget you are looking to stick to, as to which way may be your best bet.

Ok so here is my expertises. So your looking to get a new cd player of some sort well blakbyrd pretty much got most of it.

I would suggest you go to say circuit city or like best buy or something and ask for the kit to put in your volvo then I would go to this website http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/ This place is where I have goten all my sound system equipment.

Now I would suggest go with a basic alpine Head Unit. If you want to get kinda fancy for your husband try looking for a cheap cd player with an ipod ready connection I have a alpine head unit so basically I'm biased towards alpines.

Anyways no matter which Aftermarket cd player you get your sound system will actually sound a little better as well. Deff buy a aftermarket cd player though because it will make the dash look nicer as well at least mine does. Plus the sound quality will be better in the long run.

As for installing all of this it wont cost you that much if you buy your equipment from the website I posted But if you get it installed at Circuit City or Bust Buy ask them if they sauder the wires together instead of using just electrical tape.

Thats about it. Good Luck.