850r 1996 or 2000 v70xc which is the better buy

850r 1996 or 2000 v70xc which is the better buy

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Discussion

quattrostore

Original Poster:

44 posts

187 months

Wednesday 14th January 2009
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Hi , haven't had a Volvo before, buying lhd and saw a 850r 1996 for 3000pounds, I have to fly to buy it but it has history and seems in good order, the V70 xc is 2000 5500pounds (yes they are more expensive in Spain but closer to view) so fresher and comes with complete history , I don´t know which is the better choice , yes the 850r is cheaper but older too and doesnt have the 4x4 , bhp isnt everything I know .I´m sure I would like the 850r as I had quattro´s before but maybe the V70xc is the wiser choice , any opinions on these cars would be welcome and what mpg I would get, I expect around 25mpg for both (maybe you could correct me ) .

thks

Finlandia

7,803 posts

232 months

Wednesday 14th January 2009
quotequote all
Depends how/what you will be using it for? 850R is more of a sportscar light, and the V70XC is more of a Land Rover light.

First gen V70XC had a awd system that had some problems to it, if unlucky it could break by unevenly worn tyres or using the tempaspare tyre. Not said it will be this bad, but it can be.

The R will be a rough and bumpy ride, due to very stiff underpinnings, the XC is a much softer ride, but not wobbly or jelly like, it just doesn't invite to spirited driving smile

Both are heavy cars, both will drink about as much as you throw at them, but saying that, they can be quite frugal given the right circumstances, i.e. anything between 12-35mpg.

Personally, I would be just as torn between these two as you.

Dammit

3,790 posts

209 months

Wednesday 14th January 2009
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850R- you'll forgive the ride for the way that it goes!

morgrp

4,128 posts

199 months

Thursday 15th January 2009
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Dammit said:
850R- you'll forgive the ride for the way that it goes!
Have to agree - unless you need 4wd?? I find the AWD kills all the wheelspinny fun! - but seriously though, 850R's are the daddy - they have great road presence too

pookie T5

69 posts

205 months

Thursday 15th January 2009
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850R, superb car.

Pookie

quattrostore

Original Poster:

44 posts

187 months

Monday 19th January 2009
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Well , the v70xc has only 60k miles on it and a history , does that make it any easier to make the decision , yes I have to drive it first and like it of course but it seems better choice if milage matters .


morgrp

4,128 posts

199 months

Monday 19th January 2009
quotequote all
quattrostore said:
Well , the v70xc has only 60k miles on it and a history , does that make it any easier to make the decision , yes I have to drive it first and like it of course but it seems better choice if milage matters .
Being honest, provided they have both been looked after, mileage really isn't an issue on V70/850 - All the car's I've had, have had well over 100k on the clock and they've all felt tight as a drum. I'd drive both, they will be noticably different to drive and then make a decision - you'll more than likely favour one or the other