What do you know about Volvo 850R's? talk me out of buying one...

[Mr. Burns]

Wife and I need a 2nd car, not so much a beater, but also not something that's going to elegantly flush out our banking funds.

I have my eyes on a 1997 volvo 850r station wagon.
it's automagic, originally a texas car 0 rust (big deal here) 106K miles.

rebuilt top end, and a new 16T turbo, the odd bolt on and IPD suspension.

currently owned by mature gentleman (50yrs+)

asking price is good, however upon research online review are either ABSOLUTELY PHENOMINAL or ABSOLUTE TRASH.

I'm a car guy, know my way around them fairly well and don't shy away from routine maintenance but i'm not looking to swap trannies and do labour intensive work on a 2nd car DD.

pic for reference (not actual car, but identical)

[slammin.e28]

asking price is good, however upon research online review are either ABSOLUTELY PHENOMINAL or ABSOLUTE TRASH.

I always err on the glass being half empty.... especially with Volvos....

[freeride53]

Fun cars...not as fun as a 240 turbo though.

[quickervicar]

My friend had one. Did really well for him. I drove it (hard) a couple of times. It went like a scalded pig in a straight line, but plowed very badly through the corners.

My guess is that if he cared enough to install ipd suspension components, he cared enough to maintain it properly, too.

[yert315]

850 turbos are indeed great cars. I have owned one a few years ago and loved every minute of it! It is a great family/DD car. Feels a bit heavy, but what volvo doesn't? They are quite fast for what they are as well.

As far as maintenance goes, they are fairly straight forward. The pcv system needs to be cleaned out and hoses replaced if it hasn't been done recently. Axles are a common problem, yet easily fixable. Very easy cars to work on.

The interior is built pretty well. No need to worry about falling apart door trim pieces or seats breaking. The HVAC system has been known to give problems. My entire unit went sour and I ended up replacing it (cheap second hand units work fine).

Assuming the previous owner took good care of it, you'll have no problems.

Good luck!

[Mr. Burns]

this ones A/C is no longer functional...this much I know.

I came to the E30 scene after my love affaire with oldschool turbo bricks.

my old 740 with large turbo.
b230ft engine are seriously bulletproof.

[Mr. Burns]

850 turbos are indeed great cars. I have owned one a few years ago and loved every minute of it! It is a great family/DD car. Feels a bit heavy, but what volvo doesn't? They are quite fast for what they are as well.

As far as maintenance goes, they are fairly straight forward. The pcv system needs to be cleaned out and hoses replaced if it hasn't been done recently. Axles are a common problem, yet easily fixable. Very easy cars to work on.

The interior is built pretty well. No need to worry about falling apart door trim pieces or seats breaking. The HVAC system has been known to give problems. My entire unit went sour and I ended up replacing it (cheap second hand units work fine).

Assuming the previous owner took good care of it, you'll have no problems.

Good luck!

HVAC check, axles check pcv system check thanks:)

[lambo]

Fun cars...not as fun as a 240 turbo though.

I'm thinking a 240 might be my next beater car...

[e30trooper]

the 850 scene is starting to grow here. 850R's are very rare state side. 240hp isnt slow ..

[Mlarsen]

Lulz, You were on turbobricks and your asking here about 850R's?

For your wife, awesome car. Buy it.

[Mr. Burns]

Lulz, You were on turbobricks and your asking here about 850R's?

For your wife, awesome car. Buy it.

was on turbobricks for years...

I'd get a "ZOMG BEST CAR EVAR" on a Volvo biased website..

and yes, for my wife and "us" for camping trips, errands etc.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

There kind of like the ultimate sleeper very fast station wagon that the police don't take a second look at they are pretty comfy too

[Mlarsen]

Eh, most people on Tbricks would tell you buy a 940 or something instead.

[QUKBMER]

Do not buy a 850 bro.buy a 740 or 940 rwd. You will thank me later. 850's ARE A BIG P.O.S.

[bernzpeed]

Wife and I need a 2nd car, not so much a beater, but also not something that's going to elegantly flush out our banking funds.

I have my eyes on a 1997 volvo 850r station wagon.
it's automagic, originally a texas car 0 rust (big deal here) 106K miles.

rebuilt top end, and a new 16T turbo, the odd bolt on and IPD suspension.

currently owned by mature gentleman (50yrs+)

asking price is good, however upon research online review are either ABSOLUTELY PHENOMINAL or ABSOLUTE TRASH.

I'm a car guy, know my way around them fairly well and don't shy away from routine maintenance but i'm not looking to swap trannies and do labour intensive work on a 2nd car DD.

pic for reference (not actual car, but identical)

they used to be top of the line. sports suspension, high pressure turbo and full options. They are far better than the newer ones today in terms of reliability. Plus, Volvo is synonymous to safety. I owned a 98 T5. 250 horsepower. the Rs are much quicker though.

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