Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850!

935 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by JRL, Apr 2, 2009

flyawayak

Discussion Starter · Mar 28, 2009

Hi, just joining the 850 club for the first time. It was time to "economize" and trade the newer S40 with a payment, for a solid 850 without a payment! The car is fairly solid mechanically (newer engine, rear-main seal, t-belt, brakes/rotors etc.) but needs some minor re-conditioning (ABS module, front/rear bumper paint, hole in carpet near the footrest, slightly worn front leather, and a few more things). Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for where to start (without blowing the bank)? I'll try to post some pics next week or so. The car has 160k miles and is a local northwest car with a clean title and no rust....paid $2900.

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

850arrrsaylikepirate

· #2 · Mar 28, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (flyawayak)

For the ABS module I used this dude and he was great:

http://home.earthlink.net/~vicrocha/

I know JRL has recommended someone else that is good but I can't remember who.

::Edit::
Ok I found the other place:
http://www.modulemaster.com/en/index.php

Save

flyawayak

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 28, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (850arrrsaylikepirate)

I keep running across "module masters" also in searching for ABS module rebuilds. Are they fairly reputable? I suppose I can pull mine out and send it to them for a $99 rebuild.

Additionally....has anyone ever had their seats re-dyed? I've been thinking about having it done on the 850, but I'm a little concerned a poor re-dye job could look worse than slightly cracked and worn tan leather.

Save

JRL

· #4 · Mar 28, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (flyawayak)

Quote, originally posted by flyawayak »

I keep running across "module masters" also in searching for ABS module rebuilds. Are they fairly reputable? I suppose I can pull mine out and send it to them for a $99 rebuild.

YES, I'VE USED THEM FOR SEVERAL ABS UNITS

Additionally....has anyone ever had their seats re-dyed? I've been thinking about having it done on the 850, but I'm a little concerned a poor re-dye job could look worse than slightly cracked and worn tan leather.

WWW.FABRION.NET. If you have a good one in your area, he can make your seats look literally brand new

Save

Taleof2Bricks2

· #5 · Mar 29, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (flyawayak)

Quote, originally posted by flyawayak »

... It was time to "economize" and trade the newer S40 with a payment, for a solid 850 without a payment! The car is fairly solid mechanically (newer engine, rear-main seal, t-belt, brakes/rotors etc.) but needs some minor re-conditioning (ABS module, front/rear bumper paint, hole in carpet near the footrest, slightly worn front leather, and a few more things).

... The car has 160k miles...

I really wouldn't consider these cars a way to "economize"! I love mine (with all that $ I've dropped into them, what else can I say?

), but they have certainly NOT been "economical".

Like every used car, things will break, but with these cars, things seem to keep breaking, even stupid, little things (that aren't cheap).

Good luck w/ your Plat & be careful when you post pics. It had better be a real Plat

, or your new 'friends' here will let you know...right away!

See less See more

Save

flyawayak

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 30, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (Taleof2Bricks2)

Yeah, I'm 99.999% sure it is a real one, unless someone re-pained a '96 850 with the pearl white paint code, put in the higher-output turbo, 16' special rims and dash trim, but I suppose it would be hard to tell otherwise. Maintenance is definitely an issue I know on these cars, but yearly maintenance costs are still much, much cheaper than payments, interest and depreciation (ouch) on the S40 I just sold. Now I can actually afford to put money into a car I own and keep some cash on the side, rather than pay interest to the bank and take the depreciation hit. The 850 just seems like a solid and wonderfully engineered car, which can be very reliable if not neglected.

Speaking of which, it seems to be running great at the moment, but should I have the PCV system inspected as a preventative measure? What are the symptoms of PCV issues? The engine was replaced in '07 with a used engine (compression was 180-185 all around). The timing belt was changed, rear main seal replaced, transmission flushed, but I can't find any records of PCV system maintenance. (The major maintenance issues that were addressed were huge selling points for me at this price.) Any other issues I need to look for? ...sorry for the long post and thanks for the input!

See less See more

Save

JRL

· #7 · Mar 30, 2009

Re: Just bought a '96 "Platinum edition" 850! (flyawayak)

If you don't know the mileage of the new engine you should at least have the (PCV) sytem checked for pressure and have a look under the oil fill cap, that and the pressure check is a start.

Save

MadeInJapan

· #8 · Mar 31, 2009

If you have the diagnostic boxes under your hood (some '96's had them- some didn't), you can get your true miles by probing your ECU. Instructions are over at http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com

Save

STREETFIGHTER50

· #9 · Apr 2, 2009

hey i just got a platinum myself! love it! just wish it had a black interior

Save

JRL

· #10 · Apr 2, 2009

Re: (MadeInJapan)

Quote, originally posted by MadeInJapan »

If you have the diagnostic boxes under your hood (some '96's had them- some didn't), you can get your true miles by probing your ECU. Instructions are over at http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com

How can they?
ALL 96's are OBD2

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month