Hello folks,

Currently looking at a 1997 volvo 850 Wagon with turbo 101,000miles great looking condition runs nice dealer asking $7,500, they deal exclusively in volvos and Saabs. Any concerns I should have in connection to purchasing this car, ie mechanical.

Thanks

Hi Tico.
Welcome to the forum.
:)

The usual stuffs apply. Get a good trusted mechanic to help you look at the engine. Or spend some small $$$ for them to do a professional third-party checking.

Check the history or the service records. I read somewhere that the Turbo units at that part of the globe last on average 70,000 to 100,000 kms. Thus, has the turbo been changed? If not, you may want to give it a hot-trip, and blasting the turbo (and listening for noises) and noting the G-pulls...

Also, check the lights and the bulbs. Especially in the dash. If there are any lights, get them to fix it first.

The vacuum hose could easily come off, if not fastened properly.

Check under the engine (either by lifting the car up or going underneath). If there are traces of oil, don't panic yet. :)
Ascertain the colour of the oil.

If the colour is red => Start PANICKING (:lol:)
If the colour is brownish / blackish => Start PANICKING (:lol:)
If the colour is greenish => Start PANICKING (:lol:)

Basically, if you see anything wrong on it, either avoid the car totally or get them to fix it.

:)

Cheers!

Just some info for you.. not really advice. We just purchased a 1998 Volvo V70 (850) GLT Wagon iwth 74,000 miles for $7500.00 you may want to try to get that price down a bit. And this wagon although it had some PHYSICAL scratches, and minor dents... had a great engine, with only one owner, and was serviced as requested by Volvo. Timing belt was changed... other issues.

Good luck!

Im useless in this one Im to late you covered it all :liebe011:

:thumbsup: and :57: , dude!

Hi.

I bought a 1995 850 with 78,000 miles from a dealer. I check the service records with the local dealer. All maintenance was done. I drove it for 90,000 miles trouble free. Did the regular 30k maintenance and changed the oil every 3,500 miles with Wolfheads 10/30. I sold the car to someone in our office for $4,500 with 170,000 miles. She now has just about 200k and is still loving it. :beer:

I replaced it with a s70 Turbo with 55k for $10,000. It too has been fine. Had the check engine light come on twice lately. The first time was no issue. The second required that I replace the air flow sensor ($250). I have put 30k on it and its a hot sports car. Great 5 speed. The electronic switch just went for the windows. None of them work. I bought a used one for $80 and am waiting for instructions on how to replace it. The dealer wanted $300. :thumbsup:

Hope this was helpful.

Words of advice...Make sure you can verify that all of the 30k's have been done. If the users manual is there, the book should be stamped. At 70K miles you need to replace the timing belt. This is a $300 cost.

:thumbsup: Paddy...

:)