Undetermined oil leak.
A/C leak.
Needs new tires frequently.
Heated seats no longer heat.
Transmission will not allow shifting from Park for first 10 seconds after start-up.
Minor electrical problems with radio.
Despite the many problems that I have had with my Volvo it is still a good car. A used 850 is affordable and the insurance is fair. The engine is strong enough for most people and the car seats 5 comfortably. My advice would be to have a dealer inspect the car before buying a used 850 to ensure that there are no faults with major components.
I agree, a great solid car, mileage 23 - 25 hwy, quick enough acceleration, but repairs are frequent.
Electrical problems and transmission issues (electrical switches that seem to need replacing every 10k miles.)
Stupid mechanical glitches, trunk latch broke (on its own).
Check engine light goes on so frequently for petty annoying reasons that I had it disconnected, and after that, the car ran great!
1997 and prior Volvos are still non-Fords, and likely to run well over 200k without major overhauls. I owned the 97 850 GLT for 7 years / 140k and still regret trading it, because it seriously never left me stranded. And you probably won't find a safer car on the road. Spend $5k for this car used, be prepared to service it and don't defer any maintenance, and it will reward you back.
If you can't shift out of Park, it's probably what I think is called the PNP switch? It's a common fault on the 850.
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