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  • integraguy

    March 7, 2011 1:04 p.m. integraguy Dork

    Since moving back to Fl. I've become (re)addicted to CL. Just a few minutes ago, while looking for a possible older truck or station wagon for "light haulin'" I came across a '94 850 wagon with a manual trans. and while not a wagon an early '80s 320/318.

    My questions, after quickly searching the archives on the 850 are:

    is it really all that bad that this isn't an OBDII equipped car? (one of the readers/subscribers recommended a '95 or newer for ease of maintenance?) There's a Volvo dealer on the other side of town from this (strictly) lowish budget used car dealer and I will have the car looked over by them...if I go through with it, but should I be worried about lower than average mileage? Ad on CL says the car has less than 110K on it. What are major troublespots for this model? And no, I don't mind that it's a NON turbo, at least not yet.

  • bludroptop

    March 7, 2011 1:27 p.m. bludroptop SuperDork

    '94 has some 'one year only' differences, including 4 lug wheels.

    The deal killer on these cars is the evap core - ballpark $1500 and not diy friendly. If that's been done, or if you hate A/C, then most of the other common issues are easy, inexpensive and won't leave you stranded.

  • integraguy

    March 7, 2011 1:32 p.m. integraguy Dork

    I just went back and looked at the ad again...it's a '94 GLS and considering the mileage (a claimed 106K) and price ($2550), I'm betting something like that A/C evap core is NOT working right.

    I also wasn't aware of the one year= 4 lug wheels deal.

    It still almost seems like it might be worth it to have the local Volvo dealer or a Volvo certified workshop look at it, tho.

  • DukeOfUndersteer

    March 7, 2011 1:37 p.m. DukeOfUndersteer SuperDork

    I have a 95 Non Turbo. They are NOTORIOUS for having dead valves. Mine has the OBD1 little pin reader on the passenger front side and OBD2 inside under the console. Some say the OBD1 is more truthful and to follow the codes on that one. They are also known for the auto's grenading, but luckily you found the white unicorn...

  • integraguy

    March 7, 2011 1:43 p.m. integraguy Dork

    I once owned a PV544 and that car was fairly reliable, but unbeknownst to me when I bought it, a real rust bucket. This car "seems" decent enough, and barring a bigger SUV or small truck, is almost exactly what I want. But folks who have owned Volvos in the '90s and newer say they can be as bad as Audis/VWs for being money pits.

  • Brett_Murphy

    March 7, 2011 2:01 p.m. Brett_Murphy Reader

    How many 5 speed Volvo wagons are you going to find in good shape? I'd totally take it to the low buck dealer, throw them $150 and tell them to inspect it like they were going to give it to one of their kids to drive.

 
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