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Wagons Older Volvo Wagons Volvo 850 Wagons
491 messages, Last post on Nov 25, 2009 at 8:06 PM
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Replying to: randynyc (Jan 27, 2006 12:01 pm) I am not a mechanic but if you have had continued problems with this gasoline smell I would wonder if the fuel injector rail was maybe not properly reinstalled after the head was refitted. There are of course many different possible reasons for the the gasoline smell but I check the fuel delivery system first. Best Wishes and please update us when you figure out what the problem was. 
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Replying to: randynyc (Jan 27, 2006 10:57 am) |
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Hi,I've been looking at volvo wagons since there are so many of them around and it has been a dwindling commodity since the suvs and minivans! The fear to buy one is because of all I had read about the expensive repairs and the never knowing when something's going to break down and it will be expensicve to fix! Or just go for the reliable toyota sedans and forget wanting a cargo type vehicle!! Tired of unreliable cars, my current wagon the mercury sable had the 'famous' head gasket problem which will cost over a thousand since coolant has leaked in tot he engine and other problem s will soon following woul dmake this repair! The car is so comfortable to drive but the damn mechanics are so poor! please advise,, jeff
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Replying to: jekko32 (Jan 31, 2006 7:23 pm) There are 389 postings about 850 wagons in this forum. If you are serious about researching real life 850 ownership experiences I suggest you spend a few evenings checking them out. That will give you the flavor of what to expect should you decide to look to buy an 850 instead of a Toyota....dark chocolate vs. vanilla. |
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I am looking for a new car and am tempted to get a used 850 Wagon or Sedan, about 10 years old as I want a car I can pay in cash with some money I saved up. I like their reputation for safety and quality is comparable to Mercedes or BMW. However I am sometimes a bit apprehensive about Volvos because some people here and there complain about very expensive repairs. What are the odds of getting an 850 car that has a lot of problems vis-a-vis getting a newer american car (e.g. an '00 or later Focus or such). Can a regular mechanic service Volvos or can they only go to a dealer? Do they really require premium gas? Many thanks, Peter
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Replying to: donebeingcool (Feb 07, 2006 11:34 pm) There are quite a few indy mechanics who can work on them. Yes, the parts are more expensive than american car parts. Prem gas is recommended for best performance.
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Replying to: volvomax (Feb 08, 2006 8:36 am) I also read that non-turbo Wagons are pretty sluggish. Will I have problems with these if I have to pass a truck on the highway? Or drive up the mountain with the car full of camping gear? How much worse is performance if you only use regular gas? I am also looking for fuel economy and maybe I should think of a smaller car, it does seem Volvos aren't too gentle on fuel use and definitely out of the question for my budget if I have to put in premium. Any feedback is appreciated. |
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Hi - I bought an 850 GLT wagon '95 with 106k on it about 6 months ago. I sold my Grand Caravan minivan with 116k on it. My friends thought I was crazy to give up the van for a smaller car (we also have a Suburban so I didn't need two large automobiles) I just love the 850 - I love driving it, love parking it and we have had no (fingers crossed) problems with it at all. I fill it up with premium but my husband fills it up with regular - I cant really notice a difference. Recent cold spell and it starts like a charm. I have the non-turbo and yes, it is NOT very perky - my van with a 3.6L engine had a lot more pep. You may consider a turbo if you are in need of extra power. We plan to give this volvo to our oldest son in a few years so we'll be happy he'll have a non "drag racing" car, and, just how cool CAN you be in a station wagon? LOL We paid cash - Just under 5k and think we got a great little car - good luck!!!
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Replying to: 3boys1dog (Feb 19, 2006 12:16 pm) From what I've read in other forums and JD Powers reviews (it does seem Volvos have their cult-like fans just like Mac computers or VW bugs so the postings here are a bit biased - no offense!), the 850 Volvos can have serious electrical problems that are expensive and time consuming to trouble shoot (e.g $1000 to fix an ABS control unit!). I guess all those electronic sensors are a mixed blessing. However I did not want a car that would nickle-and-dime me to death with $300 bills each time one of those lights goes on (I am not a do-it-yourself kind of guy) so I went for the Toyota which has consistently higher ratings. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford a new Volvo and then the warranty will take care of any check engine light problems. |
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Love my wagon. Bought it from original owner at 83,000 miles. All service records from volvo dealer; meticulous attention to service schedule etc. Now, at about 85,000 mi, automatic trans will not shift out of 1st gear if car hasn't been driven for a couple or three days. It takes several miles of stopping, restarting, driving (very slowly to keep RPMs under control -- most inconvenient!)and so on before shift occurs normally. At times "Winter" light comes on and stays on; at times "Check Engine" light comes on and stays on. Mechanic has replaced "Switch" ($389). Car starts right up all the time, no problem, and after going through the above described hissy fit drives normally and beautifully. Also, if driven every day this doesn't happen at all. Think it shouldn't be necessary to replace transmission at 85,000 miles, especially after sterling service record (which I have also continued to maintain). Help, please and thank you.
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