[The Spleen]

Just wanted to get some feedback on this. I have a opportunity to buy one of the two wagons above. One is a 1997 black/black interior 850 r wagon w/ 52k for about $21,000. The other is a 1998 silver/black interior V70 r awd wagon w/ 38k for about $29,000. I much prefer the 850 r (although it has no warranty and it had 2 previous owners) because it gets better gas mileage (i really don't need awd since I'm moving to California for school), is cheaper and is, in my opinion, physically more appealing but the V70 r is a volvo certified pre-owned and has lower mileage. What would you guys do if you were in my situation? Ideally, I would like to find a low mileage black 850 r wagon but it seems like they're pretty rare and I need to buy something by the end of July. It would be easier if I was looking for a low mileage 97 850 r sedan but I prefer more cargo room. I haven't entirely ruled out buying a sedan though. I did test drive a 98 S90 sedan which I really liked as well but that's another story entirely. Anyway, do these wagons have any common problems that I should look out for? All comments are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[This message has been edited by The Spleen (edited 06-19-2001).]

 

[CA855R]

I think I would get the 97R (guess why?). Anyway, IMO there would be less issues to deal with by going with a 2WD. You don't need it in California. Besides, the R series has the winter mode and and some other traction control feature in case you need it. But, the 97 will start to need some routine maintanace done that will cost you some extra, ie. timing belts, tranny flushes, brakes, tires, etc. I would also try to find out the maintanance records of both car you are intreseted in. You can base a lot of your decision on that alone. Good luck to you with whatever you decide. Either one is probably a good choice.

 

[The Spleen]

Thanks CA855R. How many miles do you have on your wagon (color?) and have you had any problems with it? Did you buy it new or used? You mentioned routine service, is your wagon really expensive to service?
Over here gas (91 octane) is pushing $2/gallon. From what my friend in San Jose says gas over there is pushing $2.40/gallon. Not something I'm looking forward to paying!!

[This message has been edited by The Spleen (edited 06-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by The Spleen (edited 06-19-2001).]

 

[[email protected]]

The 850 will probably cost less to maintain. On the awd, when you replace on tire, you should usually replace them all. The newer car will be more likely to remain rattle free, but the 850 is still a great car.

 

[1FASTBOX]

The 850 series is the best choice, both cars are great, but the AWD system adds extra pounds, the 2wd will have alot more spunk. Only some of the smaller things they changed from the 850 to the 70 series I do not like, for example they changed the style of the light bulb sockets and door locks, lots of prblems with both these items, both are now fixed but such a small thing pissed alot of people off. Both are great but go with the 850.

 

[CA855R]

I got a white with tan trim. I'm the second owner and bought it with 47k miles in February. Luckly it was still under warrenty when the alternator went south. That was the only major thing that went wrong so far. I've seen the service records on this car so I was fairly confident that it was not problematic. I don't usually take my cars to the dealer for servicing so I'm not certain on how much things cost. If you DIY, you could save a bundle. So far I am very happy with the car, whenever I drive it. My wife usually takes it before I do...

Another option to think about is to look for a V70 T-5. I like the fact that Vovlo chose to move the window controls to the driver's door. Having them in the center console drives me nuts...

 

[The Spleen]

I just want to thank all of you for your comments/thoughts. My inclination is to go with the 850R over the V70 R. To make my situation a little more difficult, I just found a 97 850R sedan which is volvo certified pre-owned! Now I really have to think hard!

[This message has been edited by The Spleen (edited 06-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by The Spleen (edited 06-20-2001).]

 

[S.R.]

I agree with most everyone here, for your needs, I would go with the 850R over the V70R AWD. Actually, I would probably pick up that 850R sedan that you just found.

-Drew

 

[Harleyvu]

I love all this input that you should go with the 850 R, i was just wondering about the one you found. What color, milage and how much. Just wondering because i am slowly trying to sell my R sedan. thanks

 

[The Spleen]

Harleyvu: It was a 1997 red 850R sedan w/ about 43,000 miles for $22,000 before negotiating. I'm not sure how low they would go pricewise since it is a certified pre-owned.

 

[Harleyvu]

Mine is 97 red 850R sedan with blk inter. 58,000 miles, ipd ecu upgrade, ipd full exhaust, and waste gate modified to 16lbs of boost. close to 290 HP right now. Great car.