Was looking at a 1996 automatic volvo 850 GLT. When i started it up the engine was running fine. The 'lamba' light on the dashboard was on. Does this mean it is time to replace the sensor or is the sensor faulty. have been told that after so many miles the light comes on to say service it or replace it.
Also when the engine has warmed up and the engine rev comes down it is running a bit lumpy. When i engage drive or reverse i have to press hard on the footbrake to stop it moving. It seems it is pushing the car to go forward. i have driven automatics and know that when you engage drive the car will creep forward and not leap forward.
I have walked away from that car but want to know the cause of the problem so i am 'wiser' when i look at another volvo
which would you recommend? volvo 850/v70 or saab 9000/9-5. willing to spend up to £3000. Prefer the olde models because they tend to be more reliable with less electronic gizmos to go wrong.
thanks in advance
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My preference would be the 9000. (I ran a 9000 2.3t16 and currently have a volvo v70tdi - ie facelift of the 850).
The 'big' issue on the saabs is the DI cartridge - but saab have a recall and anyway the cost for the older cars is now quite cheap. I am less impressed with the volvo response to problems like throttle bodies. my experience of the brands is also that the saab 9000 was better built.
The advantage the volvo has is more space for the cabin / rear passengers. the 9000 has a huge boot - and I remember an advert claiming that it would hold more than the 850 estate (is it really that big?)
the 9-5 was a vectra floorplan I think, and not as big as the volvo.
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The autobox 'creep' is normal.
The MIL light is not normal and indicates some sort of engine management fault - possibly also accounts for the lumpy running.
Personally I wouldn't want either car - for £3k you can do much much better than a '96 850.
Primera, Avensis or Accord estate come to mind - or even a Merc estate of some description.
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hmm never thought of mercedes. the bonus point is that they are plentiful compared to saabs and probably volvos
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I had an older SAAB 9000 and it was a lovely car, and a real SAAB (not GM). Very spacious, comfortable, and possibly it had the most comfortable sets in the world, but I was really passion, and the car was not as reliable as my old SAAB 900 classic.
They are very cheap now and Europarts helps to keep it on the road much cheaper than SAAB, who use to charge a fortune for the smallest part. My Mercedes W124 is much more reliable.
£3,000 is in that tricky zone where to be honest you must be a bit of a DIY man, otherwise every little problem is a worry as SAAB charge a fortune per hour, and replace everything. A good independant might help. Many of the SAAB clubs and websites suggest these are good till 90-100,000 miles and then too many bits go.
I also cant help feeling that £3000 will buy an great deal of Primera that should be loaded with toys and very reliable.
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