Looking at buying an 850r

**timb551** · Wednesday 30th August 2006, 21:28

Hi Guys

I have been looking at the forum for a few days now and am in the process of looking at getting an 850r.

I wanted to get peoples advice on what to look for when test driving one.

So far a full volvo history seems to be the thing to look for.

I am slightly mechanically minded and will be taking a mechanic mate with me, but he doesnt know anything in particular about the 850's.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

Tim

**T5ER** · Wednesday 30th August 2006, 21:37

Hi mate and first off welcome to the forum.
I think what you may bee seeking lies in the thread below

http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7657

**arbee** · Wednesday 30th August 2006, 21:54

Hi Tim, saw your other post - welcome to the site - so you're in Essex? I'm in Harlow if I can be of any use to you

**Dan850r** · Wednesday 30th August 2006, 21:55

Welcome to the club.
what T5ER said, any suspisious knocks or bangs be very wary as they could be expensive, there are plenty of 850R`s on the trader at the moment, youll find a good one.

**Redbrick** · Wednesday 30th August 2006, 23:33

Including my old one...

£5495!!!!! in Taunton.

**timb551** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 07:04

cheers for the warm welcome everyone!

Cheers T5er thats great, ill print that out and read.

yes arbee im in Maldon, not too far from you, when you at north weald cause i saw an 850r at donny south.

How nervous should i be about buying a high mileage car.

I havent ever really done that and am slightly concerned that i am going to have a lot of problems, how have you lot found it?

thanks

**adriancole** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 09:10

I bought a 120,000 miler and apart from replacing some hoses and all the hose clips it was perfectly servicable and a real goodun which i could have driven very happily....

One slight issue is that then i started to fettle it with all new disks, all new pads...purely for my own peace of mind.....then i started on a strut brace, new exhaust and all new dampers....and now the car is just as new, rides and stops perfectly and still goes like a train when need be....

It gets to you, all the ways you can adapt the car to your own needs....oh and i added some fancy Volvo Blinds in the rear passenger windows for the little one....the Volvo parts book makes an interesting read....

**jp850R** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 09:14

Personally I wouldnt worry ablout the milage, I bought mine on 133K, im passing 172K now as with having over 200 pony's pulling at the front wheels all the time i have replaced some parts as would be expected. To me this has got to have been the best car I have ever had, not just for driving but for reliability.
I have had it 2 years in Oct and touch wood its still going strong.

I have had 5 bmw's, 2 rovers, a monego turbo, & a ford capri as well as others and not 1 of them lasted a year (shortest being 2 weeks) with my driving before I thew them away!

P.S just the klunk thats annoying, nothing serious tho.

**timb551** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 10:24

just checked insurance and its only 600 fully comp which isn't too bad, looks like I will have to get rid of my current car and take the plunge

are most of them autos and is it worth hunting for a manual??

**jp850R** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 10:26

If you sit in traffic a lot Auto
If you dont care about above or doesnt apply go manual if u can!

(I may be biast I have a manual)

**timb551** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 10:37

would definatley prefer manual, never been a big fan of autos. were they all well speced or is it worth waiting for one with a decent spec?

**GregE102** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:02

HI

I too am new so hello.
I have just brought an 850 T5R with 114000miles on it service history up to 80k and no history after that, the engine is sound but im having to replace a few things on the suspension like mounts and bushes the oil drain seals had gone and the breather hose was blocked so dont be afraid of sticking you head right under the car with a torch. Failing that get an AA or RAC or independant inspection done.
But thats my small bit of advise, hope it was of help

Greg

**yorkshire R** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:25

only been on a while but due to reasons i sold my R saloon!!! i even think i sold it to cheap at €3000 with 101,000 on the clock..what do you guys think?

**GregE102** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:29

Hi there

I paid 2k For my T5R saloon 114000 miles, but at the end of the day if you got what you wanted for it and had fun driving it thats all that realy matters hope the money is going to another volvo!

Greg

**yorkshire R** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:36

i had a great year with it,.i allways wanted a R saloon and i cant complain.the main dealers said it was the best R they have seen as it was in A1 condition.i had so much fun with boy racers !!

**GregE102** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:38

sounded a nice car hope you get another one soon

**GregE102** · Thursday 31st August 2006, 11:42

If you look on piston heads web site they are going for a lot more but if you look on auto trader people are asking less, i havent looked at the moment but when i was looking that was about the rightprice i personaly would have asked for more as the milage is pretty good for one of those.
Dont for get its only worth what some on is willing to pay!