1997 850 wagon?

These are very reliable cars, as long as the regular maintenance has
been done on them. With 65,000 miles on the odometer, the following
things come to mind, if they haven't been done already:
a) timing belt
b) drive belt
c) spark plugs
d) brake fluid replacement - check lines also
e) check/repack CV boots - the axles are expensive on this car
f) new air filter
g) coolant flush - probably needs one. For these aluminium alloy
block engines, I read (and believe) that using Volvo coolant
is better for the life of the engine. Opinions vary on this.

Most of this stuff you can do yourself. Timing belt is difficult.

One of the weaknesses in this model is the evaporator. Replacing
it is expensive. Make sure the A/C system is in fine working condition,
or get the dealer to knock $1500 off the price. Another weakness is
the ABS computer. But this is cheaper, and there are others who will
fix it for you fairly inexpensively.

Probably need to check the drive shaft joints as well for play and wear,
if that's not been done.

Beverly

 

What is the reliability like on a 1997 850 wagon? Also what problems,
looking at one with 65000 miles on it? They are asking $10500.