This thread spawned another one on the question of what GLT model designation meant, found here.

                       Sooo, to get back on topic concerning life expectancy, Who is higher than me right now (249,000km, a
                       GLT) The only none "maintenance" part that I have had to throw in this, is a new fuel pump last year,
                       Around 233,000.
                       I am sort of wondering what big cost part will go next...

                       --
                       Adam Z

                       I've now seen a few in our shop with more than 200K miles on them going strong, still with original
                       engines/trannies BUT those are cars that are well maintained.
                       I think that 850s (etc, FWDs) can last quite a while if well maintained BUT admitedly there's a few
                       costly repairs that might need doing during its lifetime. All in all, it's been a good car so far.
                       As for the older RWDs, I've seen many of those that don't go the mileage listed above because they're
                       poorly maintained (neglected, abused) so even those weren't as indestructable as some people might
                       think. I've seen many ratty 200s/700s in my years repairing them, many with "low mileage" too (less than
                       150K)

                       Josh: In response to your question about the life expectancy of the 850, I have a 1994 with 170,000
                       miles, at which point the timing belt tensioner failed. Because this is a conflict engine, all the valves were
                       bent. I removed the cylinder head and noticed substantial wear in the cylinders. However, before the
                       failure the engine ran well and did not use any oil between changes (2000 miles). If the tensioner had not
                       failed, I might have had many more miles of service. The transmission was still working fine. However, I
                       doubt that the 850 power train will have the same kind of life expectancy as the old 240,s. because the
                       car is so much more sophisticated.

                       Hi ken,
                       since I am approaching that number of miles on mine, is there a good or reliable way to check the
                       tensioner? I know I am due within the next month or so to get the timing belt checked/replaced anyway,
                       thx
                       adamz

                       --
                       Adam Z

                       Adam:

                       I examined the tensioner after the failure. I put it in a vise to compress the piston, the same process used
                       when changing the timing belt, and I noticed that while the rod was being compressed that oil was
                       leaking from around the rod. I suspect that it had leaked enough oil to cause the tension pressure to
                       drop enough to allow the belt to skip. When you have your timing belt replaced, I would clean the
                       tensioner thoroughly and inspect it carefully for any sign of leakage while you are resetting the tensioner.
                       If there is any doubt at all, I would replace it because a failure is very expensive!! I hope I have been of
                       some help.
 

                       --
                       Ken

... posted by John D.  on Wednesday, 14 March 2001, at 8:11 a.m.
 

                      I currently have 170,738 miles on my 94 850. I was just wondering if anyone else had an 850 with more
                      miles on it than mine. Do I have the current record?

                      --
                      Jogn D.

                      I've got 182,300 miles on my 1994 855T. Still have the original tranny and A/C Evaporator. The only
                      things that have been replaced have been the fuel pump, a wiring harness (Tech Service Bulletin stuff),
                      02 Sensor and 3 sets of tires and brakes and the A/C Condenser. Replaced the Front rotors once.
                      Other than that I haven't had any real problems with the car.

                      My goal is to get at least 300,000 on it before I need any major engine work.
                     --
                      Dave Bosell 1994 855T 182,300 miles and still going strong

Claude has 210K mi on his. (nm) [850][1994]

 ... posted by Wayne on Wednesday, 14 March 2001, at 1:12 p.m. ...in response to "Current Record
                      on Forum for Highest Miles on 850" posted by John D..

                      nm

                      --
                      Wayne '94 854GTAS 94K