Volvo 850: 1995 vs. 1996[850][1995 T-5R] Alex -- Friday, 18 May 2001, at 2:31 p.m.

 Is it true that the 1996 850 is much better and more reliable than the 1995? That's what all my friends have
 been telling me and that's what Consumer Reports seems to say. I figured I'd ask you guys to confirm it's
 truth. Thanks

 Alex

 Actually, to the contrary I have heard the 95 and 96 have some expensive problems with regards to the air
 conditioning system. The non dealer Volvo shop I use, claims Volvo redesigned the system causing
 problems in mid. 97. I have a 97 T-5 with 88k and I have not had A/C problems.

 Alex
 For what its worth I have a 95 850 88K+ miles original owner. I have been following all the problem
 threads. I have not had any of the common problems people post ( evap., etc. ) . I love the car. My
 co-workers 96 145K+ has run into the majority of problems commonly posted. Her problems started at the
 120K - 140K area. She likes her 96 so much even with the problems and plans on keeping it after plowing
 $2K+ into repairs.
 There was an article in Volvo's magazine ( approx 1 year ago) that had a salesman in Texas with a 93 850
 ( which is suppose to be the worst of worst years) that had 330,000 miles with the only repair replacing the
 oil pan drain plug. Good Luck

 Lee 

 Alex, I was actually told just the opposite by a 17 year master Volvo mechanic. When I was in the market to
 buy a Volvo I couldn't decide between a 95 and 96 that I was looking at. I spoke with the mechanic and he
 seemed to side with the 95. He didn't really give any concrete examples, but with his amount of
 experience/expertise I trusted his evaluation. Haven't had it long, but I have complete service records on
 my 95 855T and it has not experienced any of the major malfunctions (What is your major malfunction
 Pyle!) that others on this board have posted about (ie. evaps, trans, AC, etc.) Good luck!!!

 I would definetely recommend good service records as a requirement for purchase.
 --
 Robert Firestone 95 855T

 ...NO Problems with My 1995 T-5R...95,000 Miles...Going Strong...there is a Transmision Lockout switch
 that is a problem and I Have replaced That...Lets face it Care AND Proper Maintenance ARE the
 Key...Look at it this way...WE Have the ONLY T-5R...That's Worth Something!
 --
 AL 1995 850 T-5R - Many Mod's...Many Smiles!

 What about the 1994 T-5? thats what ihave with 53k miles on it so far so good

 I suspect the 95 and 96 are close in quality. Our 95 has
 done well and is a nice car. Which my 98 had the nice brake
 feel that the 95 has :)
 --
 Ray Niblett 96 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

 Ahhhhhh. My sig was messed up. We own a 95 855 wagon.
 --
 Ray Niblett 95 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

 Alex, The comments will point out a favorite opinion of mine; along with a good car and proper care you've
 also got to be a bit lucky. You could find lemons made by any manufacturer and the models cited as poorly
 made could work well for you. You buy 'em and if their trash, you sell them. Most of my Volvos have worked
 well but one of the worst cars I've ever owned was a '76 265.
 If you like it, it's a great car.
 

 --
 The 96 is number 8.

 I have a 94 854 T-5. It has 180K mikes and still runs side-by-side with my friends 95 854 t-5 with 53k miles
 on it. Mine has had some issues, but nothing too rough. The most expensive thing so far has been the
 turbo. I put a new one on at 179K and found out that it was not the problem anyhow. Instead it was a
 $70.00 pressure regulator and a $80.00 hose. Everything on the car is 100% functional and I do not
 hesitate to take it on long 1000+ mile trips. IMHO, 1994-1996 is the best 850 model years period. There
 are too many reasons to list, but if you are a do-it-yourselfer as I am, these are the years to pick from.

 Prospero