i have a 1995 850 GLT with 122,000 miles on it and I love it....just keep
the maintenance up and you shouldn't  have a problem.

There's a few issues with the 850's, but they're well documented and
they're overall good cars. I'm not aware of a car that lasts as long in
general as Volvos, there's quite a few of them running around with well
over 200K on them and I've seen a few with the 300K badge on the back in
my area. Heck mine will be deserving of that badge in about a year if
things keep up.

If by 'mileage' you mean 'longevity', then, as others have replied, yes,
indeed. Well-maintained Volvos last a very long time.

If, however, you mean 'fuel economy', then...well...maybe not.   :-)

cheers,

Henry

'95 850T with 71K _km_

I have a '96 850 and like it very much.  As with any car of that age,
problems are going to start coming up and they can be expensive.   Known
big dollar trouble spots include the ABS controller and A/C evaporator.

If the vehicle has an impecable and complete service record you might be
on to a good buy.

John

I have a 95 850 turbo wagon that I purchased with 60,000. It now has 115,00
and has been very reliable and a joy to drive even for a wagon. Earlier 850
had automatic tranny issues but improved with the 95 model. The only costly
repairs were the a/c evap changed at 100,000 and the fuel pump at 110,000.
Where are you going to get a reliable used car that could last, with proper
maintenance, another 120,000 or more for $3750? Ask the guy for the
maintenance records. If he took good care of it, don't think twice.

I've owned my 95 854T since new, and it now has 85,000 mi on it.  

Notable repairs have included:
- disks replaced twice (normal -- they're a "consumable part")
- evaporator replaced
- CV boots replaced (I consider this normal for an 11 year old car
- battery replaced twice
- other normal service (timing belt, brake pads, etc.)

Notably, the exhaust system is original and so far, no problems.

It has been serviced by Volvo dealers since new whenever the mileage has
required it.  (Dealers want you to come in every 6 months max, but in my
case that has only been every ~ 3800 mi.)  Service is more expensive
than, say, my wife's Honda.  But if it's done right, I am willing to pay
for it.

The car has stranded me once -- when the battery died in rush hour
traffic on the way to an important meeting.  I blame the dealer -- they
had checked "battery inspected" on every service, but the battery
terminal clamp was corroded clean through!  The previous service was 2
WEEKS PREVIOUSLY!  If you're from the Vancouver area, that was North
Shore Volvo.

In my experience, there's a big difference among dealers. The one I go
to now fixes everything RIGHT the first time.  I have never had to take
the car back when something wasn't done.  The previous dealer was
terrible, and the car had to go back for remedial work within a week of
nearly every service.  The service personnel came from another Volvo
dealer for which Volvo Canada eventually pulled the dealer's franchise
based on letters from me and many other unhappy Volvo owners.

On my most recent service, the dealer gave me a near-new V50 as a
loaner.  It was an interesting drive -- tight, quiet, nimble,
comfortable -- I was quite impressed given that it's a smaller car than
the 850.  But when I picked up my car after the service was complete, I
was amazed at how tight the 11-year old 850 felt after putting ~ 100 mi.
on a new car.  The 850 feels like it has lots of life left in it.  

Rick

Daniel,
I just lost my '94 850T in a freeway "sandwich"; rear-ended at 50 MPH,
while stopped -  forced into car in front. Bumps and bruises, but wife
and I both opened our car doors and got out. All electrics still work
work and the car runs (after blowing out the muffler due to a crushed
tail pipe). The car had 102K on it, Ran sweet always, but was properly
maintained (real important!) Anyway, now with estimated repairs pegged
at over $11,000 and extensive unibody damage, its a write off, and I'm
real sad.

My advice? Buy the car, it might save your life.

Larry