Well… I caught the bug I guess. I Bought this 1996 volvo 850R in Alabama on 6/22/19 with unknown mileage exceeding 238,XXX, judging by the paperwork I am guessing about 260,000 currently (if anyone knows how to get the true mileage through the OBD port please share). I drove the car home to NH that weekend almost problem free; after about 500 miles I was getting some hesitation on the highway and a check engine misfire code came up so I did a quick plug-rotor-distributor cap replacement and everything has been good since. The engine is not burning any significant amount of oil and pulls strong as compared to my 1997 850R with 74,XXX miles. It is spotting on the driveway so I have a slow leak of what I am assuming to be power steering fluid since that was low but I will confirm shortly. Timing belt was done about 4 years ago but after the odometer stopped so I will probably replace that in the next year or so to be safe. The glove test came back neutral for the PCV system, not inflating or sucking in, and the hose on top is still pliable so it's not an immediate concern but something I will likely address soon. Handles good and is quiet on the highway, all in all it pretty decent shape mechanically.
Cosmetically I am quite happy with it and was one of my main motivations for purchasing this one. I haven’t even washed the car, this is exactly as I got it. The paint looks good (from a distance currently), I think with some restoration work and touch ups it will be really nice. Needs a wing of course. The interior is very clean with little to no damage or squeaking. Wheels are in good shape, very minor scuffs but nothing that bothers me.
My plan for this car is to daily drive it into the ground. I want to do a full stage zero, get the cosmetics tuned up a bit, and just drive the hell out of it. The other 850R will be my fun car and this one I plan to keep mostly stock and enjoy as Volvo intended.
I am already daily driving it and will start the stage zero pretty much immediately, please share any good threads on stage zero or other wisdom, wish me luck.
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Cosmetically I am quite happy with it and was one of my main motivations for purchasing this one. I haven’t even washed the car, this is exactly as I got it. The paint looks good (from a distance currently), I think with some restoration work and touch ups it will be really nice. Needs a wing of course. The interior is very clean with little to no damage or squeaking. Wheels are in good shape, very minor scuffs but nothing that bothers me.
My plan for this car is to daily drive it into the ground. I want to do a full stage zero, get the cosmetics tuned up a bit, and just drive the hell out of it. The other 850R will be my fun car and this one I plan to keep mostly stock and enjoy as Volvo intended.
I am already daily driving it and will start the stage zero pretty much immediately, please share any good threads on stage zero or other wisdom, wish me luck.


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