hello from a new user - 850/V70 wanted

Hi I have joined this forum to help gather further information about common faults/things to look out for on the 850/old V70 models. I understand they are pretty robust but do suffer from ECU problems (like most newer cars). I have also heard of an electrical fault that cut out the accelerator i.e. they had no power at all whilst on the motorway. Is the V70 model that replaced the 850 much more electronically complex? as I would prefer to go for the simpler car with more reliable electronics. I am also considering the 940/960 which are older and I have heard a lot simpler. But I would really like the extra space in the 850/V70. I am looking for a manual estate, preferably 2 litre if anyone is looking to reduce their collection! PS I hope Im putting this in the correct thread. many thanks michael

hi there and welcome. ecu probs... no. 850/70 complex electronically... yes. 70 more complex, no not really. ecu's do everything on these motors. wayne

Hello from another new member! I'm also looking for an 850 but a T5 Estate (or possibly a clean 2.5 20v). I put a post in the wanted section if anyone's got one for sale. It may be worth bunging a post in there too Michael. Good luck with the search. Cheers, Alan

re: v70 complication 

I am a fellow newbie in your same situation. I was told by a very reliable mechanic that it was best to stick to the base '98 v70 models because of the changes they made for the '99 that will eventually add excessively to your maintenance cost. Consumer Guide said those changes were as follows: New electronic brake modulation helped optimize performance in normal stops. Volvo's traction-control system now included throttle as well as brake intervention. A starter interlock was added to models with manual shift, automatic transmissions gained "adaptive" shift logic, and an engine immobilizer became standard. I am willing to give up whatever advantage all that may give me (although the mechanic said it isn't all it's cracked up to be, anyway) to keep maintenance cost low. That's why I'm also avoiding the turbo, even if it would be nice when accelerating on the freeway (motorway? I'm still trying to learn the Euro lingo here.) He also said to avoid the XC, although I didn't have time to ask him why. Maybe somebody on here would have input on that. Anyway, my '89 240 keeps my bank account plenty busy -- no need to tax it unnecessarily! Best of luck!!

850 2.5 glt