Any Volvo 850 Turbo owners here?

"norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback" (norskracer98) 07/21/2014 at 20:53 • Filed to: None

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Any one here that can tell me some stuff about the Volvo 850 Turbo? Interested in one so kind of want some intel from people who have owned one.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/21/2014 at 20:56

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They're square and turbocharged.

I've used all my Volvo 850 knowledge.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/21/2014 at 21:05

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And my autoshop teacher just sold his. It smelled like old cheese and new steak.

BrianNutter > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/21/2014 at 21:40

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I drive a 94 turbo wagon

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > BrianNutter 07/21/2014 at 21:43

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How is it? Also has it been reliable and relatively cheap to maintain?

Sean > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/21/2014 at 22:05

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I owned a 95' sedan for 6 years (2003-2009), went from 95,000 to 150,xxx miles. Other the routine maintenance, the only major problems were the exhaust flex joint rotted out, pretty common with the mileage, and the turbo seized because the previous owner didn't use synthetic oil, or at least that's what I old my parents at the time, ;). In reality it most likely seized because I was 17 and beat the sh*t out of it and didn't give the turbo time to cool down properly before shutting her down. After that wake up call I stopped consistently beating the old girl and only did it occasionally, didn't even need therapy. There is a smell, as fast woman sometimes do, but you get accustomed to it. I can still smell that smell now. Anyways. It's was A Cheep sleeper that was a lot of fun to own. From what I recall, doing routine maintenance myself wasn't anymore expensive then my current chevy malibu (sometimes we just have to settle). If the planets ever align again, I'd buy another one. But like any first love, from the outside looking in, it probably wasn't that great. Just get a mustang.

EL_ULY > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/21/2014 at 22:08

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i've made a post, ask away there please

twochevrons > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/21/2014 at 23:22

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I currently own an 850R wagon, which I'm rather fond of. In practice, there is very little difference between the regular 850 Turbo and the R – just a more aggressive ECU map, stiffer suspension and some fancy trim pieces.

They're quick, if not astonishingly so by modern standards, and the drivetrain can cope with modest power increases without any drastic modification. All US-market turbocharged 850s have a four-speed automatic transmission that is generally pretty bulletproof. Handling-wise, they're not terribly exciting, but there's plenty of grip, and they're reasonably well-balanced for an FWD car.

They're very quiet and comfortable inside, and that, combined with the mountains of torque offered by the turbocharger, make them excellent highway cruisers. With the station wagon, you get a huge load area, too.

There are a few gotchas, though. The PCV system is prone to clogging up, which can cause oil leaks, and possibly permanent damage to engine oil seals if it isn't cleaned (doing it properly requires removal of the intake manifold). Heater cores and AC evaporators are both prone to failing. The heater core is an easy job, but the evaporator requires removal of the dash to get to. ABS controllers die due to solder fractures, but there are people who will rebuild them very cheaply.

Any car of that age (the newest 850s are coming up on 18 years old) is going to have its quirks and problems, and taking it to a mechanic will get expensive very quickly (I have all the receipts from my car's previous owner), but they're very DIY friendly, with excellent parts support, and a knowledgable community.

In short, I don't think that I'd pay a premium for one, but you can pick up a tidy example very cheaply – mileage doesn't really matter – and I can guarantee that it will be cheap, practical, and enjoyable motoring.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > twochevrons 07/21/2014 at 23:27

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I've found one that's $2,500 and appears to be in good condition. Would basically be used for going to school and back. Depends if it's still for sale when (read as, if) I get a job in the fall that would give me money for fuel and other necessary things.

BrianNutter > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/22/2014 at 00:14

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Id say the driveline is pretty reliable. Get maintenance records and verify timing belt is done. Mine has needed normal things like tires, brakes, shocks. Body and brakelines are very rust resistant. It also needs non critical things like the ac fixed, heater core replaced, steering rack leaks badly, front tie rod ends shot, o2 sensors replaced, and i just replaced the rear upper rubber shock bushings. I think they rattle some with age....the v70 fixed a lot of the 850 issues. Handles ok with oe sachs shocks. Enjoy driving it a lot even if its a slight hooptie.

twochevrons > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 07/22/2014 at 09:05

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I'd call that fairly reasonable, if it's in good condition and has some service history. I don't know where you are, but up here in Minneapolis, Volvos are everywhere, so don't worry too much about getting hooked on a particular one – there will always be more.

Another thing to know: the engine is an interference design, and timing belt failure will cause some nasty valve-on-piston action. Check to see when the timing belt was last done (should be every 60-70k miles, I think). It isn't too hard a DIY job on these, but you're looking at around $350 in parts if you're going to do it properly and replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time. Even if the seller says that it's been done recently, unless there's proof, I'd do it right away, just to be on the safe side.

On the subject of fuel, they are a bit on the thirsty side. On the highway, they're not too bad (mine hovers around 25-30mpg), but around town, they like to drink. I don't have a purely around-town figure for mine, but over roughly equal amounts of highway and city driving, mine averages around 18-20mpg. Not the end of the world by any means, but it's worth considering.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 08/03/2014 at 23:09

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Mine has a great kick when the turbo kicks on. They seem to be solid well built, and fairly reliable cars.