In summation, a 1993 to 1997 Volvo 850 can be a good buy, as long as the car in question has been well maintained. Volvos in general can be cantankerous if just left to their own means, not like most Hondas and Toyotas that just seem to go and go no matter how often regular maintenance is performed - although this still isn't a good idea if you happen to own one of these makes. So if a car has gone through a lot of owners or the only owner doesn't have detailed records, stay away.
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| A 1993 to 1997 Volvo 850 can be a good buy, as long as the car in question has been well maintained and you've done your homework. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada) |
If you do your homework, take it to a qualified mechanic and then finally take the plunge, an 850 can give you miles and miles of pleasurable driving. The car exudes a certain level of prestige too, more of a sign of respectability than out and out wealth, and that's a difficult quality to put a price on.
Specifications:
- 1993 Lowest-Highest Price*: $5,000 - $9,000 (165,000 to 220,000 km**)
- 1994 Lowest-Highest Price*: $6,000 - $12,000 (150,000 to 200,000 km**)
- 1995 Lowest-Highest Price*: $7,000 - $14,000 (135,000 to 180,000 km**)
- 1996 Lowest-Highest Price*: $7,500 - $17,000 (120,000 to 160,000 km**)
- 1997 Lowest-Highest Price*: $10,500 - $18,000 (95,000 to 140,000 km**)
- Body Type: 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon
- Layout: front engine, FWD (optional AWD)
- Base Engine (93 - 97): 162 hp, 177 lb-ft, 2.4-L, 20-valve, DOHC I-5
- Optional Engine (97): 190 hp, 191 lb-ft, 2.4-L, 20-valve, DOHC turbocharged I-5
- Optional Engine (94 - 97): 222 hp, 221 lb-ft, 2.4-L, 20-valve, DOHC turbocharged I-5
- Optional Engine (96 - 97): 240 hp, 221 lb-ft, 2.3-L, 20-valve, DOHC turbocharged I-5
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (sedan min - max): 1,442 - 1,487 kg (3,180 - 3,278 lbs)
- Curb Weight (wagon min - max): 1,497 - 1,536 kg (3,300 - 3,387 lbs)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 7.0 seconds (1997 850 R sedan)
- Cargo Volume (sedan trunk): 416 L (14.7 cu ft)
- Cargo Volume (wagon rear seats upright/folded): 1,051 / 1,897 L (37.1 / 67.0 cu ft)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.8 / 8.1 L/100 km (20 / 29 mpg) (1997 2.4-L 20-valve)
- Direct Competitors: Acura Vigor / 3.2 TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac Catera, Lexus ES 300, Lincoln Continental, Mazda Millenia, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Nissan Maxima, Saab 900 / 9-3, VW Passat
* Prices show lowest and highest of classified ads in Auto123.com, AutoTrader.ca and Trader.ca across Canada. Prices in specific provinces may vary. Also, these are asking prices so discounts may be available.
** Mileage averages based on approximately 15,000 to 20,000 km travel per year (calculated in 2004 model year)
***Check out J. D. Powers' ratings for yourself at jdpa.com. Click New / Used Vehicles on the left menu and enter the year, brand and model of your choice.
