Volvo 740s and 850s
 

Can anyone tell me about them, specifically the wagons? I've been doing some online research but would also like some first- and second-hand experience. :)

Thanks!

BB.

I sold my 90 740 wagon to my son. It has 245 on the clock, uses no oil, gets high 30's mpg, and can withstand the abuse of my son. They are tanks.
I like the rear facing back seat, great for the drive in.

Was that the 740 you brought the gym set over with?

I hear great things about the 740s, and it seems that they could easily do what I require. That said, I prefer the more modern style of the 850s, but hear that they aren't as bulletproof. I'm actually leaning a bit towards the 850 unless there are some major red flags.

BB.

I forgot you have seen the Sweed-O-Barge, yes that is the car.
The 850's are not as reliable as the 740's but they have more cahonies.

My pop's 850 wagon has ~220k miles and is going strong.

Rick, do you have any thoughts on just how much the difference in reliability and ease or repair is? Would I be asking for trouble with an 850 or is it just not as good?

Thanks,
BB.

They break about the same........not often. The 850 parts are more expensive. They also have more eletronic stuff in the 850. The more stuff you add the better the chance of failure you have. Also don't buy any of the front wheel drive Volvos. None of them are on the top 10 safest cars list.
For me The 7 series is the best they made. Not fast but they excell in every other dept. JMO
Are we thinking of dumping the cruiser?

I can't say how bullet proof an 850 is but my patent's turbo wagon has about 165 on the clock and no issues. Plus, the bugger is very easy to work on except some very wierd stuff like tranny cooler line seals (just the seals went, ~$3 plus too much time). T-belt took me ~1 hr. Not bad for a turbo twin cam, eh? Great power, plus Tom Walkinshaw used to race 'em. The R-type is very sweet!

The 850 is the last true Volvo as Ford bought 'em after.

Not right yet, although Tracey does want to work her way back to another Maxima once the Cruiser is paid off. Apparently, I shouldn't have told her of it's Neon lineage as she hates Neons... :p

It's more that I want a backup car that she can drive if necessary (she doesn't drive manuals and I'm not going to press the issue) and if I'm going to get something practical, I might as well make it really practical (hence, the wagon versus a sedan). Besides, it'd be a good idea to have one around.

I was thinking of buying her a slushbox 924S or 944, but since we'll likely have a mini-BB running around before too long, I want something that would be practical for that as well.

Plus, with that to get me through the snow I can start having more fun with the Miata. :)

And I'd love an 850R. It's not too likely, but... yeah. :)

BB.

Damn....................kids having kids!:)