Looking for 850/S70 Weak points

[dandi]

Hi, I'm in the market for a car for my 17 year-old son. I've owned a Volvo in the past ('82 Turbo sedan - I miss that car....) and have driven the 850 (as a rental when they first came out - nice car!). Prices seem pretty reasonable for 850/S70's, and it's a good size for my son - oh, and safe also......

What are the specific weaknesses I need to be on guard for? Specifically, things like -

- rust-prone areas
- engine issues - any parituclar areas they tend to develop leaks?
- I see many with CEL lights on - can a place like Autozone get to the codes?
- Are there on-line references to what the codes mean and how to fix?
- How easy is it to do DYI stuff? I own a couple of MG's and am not afraid to
tackle many jobs, as long as I have a good guide to follow.
- weak areas on the car, i.e., transaxle, turbo, front suspension, A/C, etc?
- any years to avoid or any years better than others?

I did a quick search of the forum (S70 too) and didn't really see what I am looking for - if there is an on-line source for this info and you can point me there, that'd be great as well.

Thanks in advance, Dan D

[rhandwor]

Watch the timing belt mileage as the valves bend if one breaks. Watch tensioners,idler pulley,as a broken front belt can get in and break the timing belt.
I would ask for all maintenance records,check the air conditioning closely. Pay a mechanic to inspect the car.
Good car if well maintained.

[arlingtoncountyred]

Valves bend if timing belt breaks, PCV system clogs, Oil pumps seals leak, Strut mounts break, Sway bar endlinks make noise, Upper & side engine mounts break, Water pumps leak, transmission's are weak (buy a manual transmission, trust me), Turbo return line seals leak, Inner tie rods wear out, Evaporator leaks (expensive), CV boots tear, thats just the major stuff.

I was a Volvo technician for a few years and this is what I commonly saw on the 850

[TheMan5952]

Over all the 850/s70 is a good car. Yes it is an interfernece motor but most cars are. Just change the timing belt in the reccomended intervals and you shouldn't have any problems. The PCV systems is knoda funky but with your normal tune ups clean or change the flame trap and you should have no real issues.

Yea, the AC evap and Heater Core is a pain to change if the go out. I had 210,000 miles on my 850 and never had to change either one, but if you like to work on your own cars you can do one in about 8 or 9 hours.

If it is a 93-95 you can check and clear the CEL and Service light your self, if it is 96-up you can buy a tool to read and clear the codes.

Other things that the 850 is known for is the ABS module failing on 96's just a bad year for the ABS, the turbo oil drain line can go out but is a fairly easy fix you can do with a floor jack and common hand tools.