Hi all,
My sister just bought a low kms 1996 Volvo 850 GLE from a Volvo dealer in great shape. It has leather seats, but non powered (which I prefer actually for the long run, she'll keep it for 10 years, and her 760 GLE seat hasn't worked for years!).
I noticed before we signed the deal that the heated seat didn't work whatsoever, or, at least it didn't feel like much. It only has one switch setting for the heater, unlike the
760 GLE which had high and low. I can't really tell if the thing is working
100% or not?!? The dealer says they changed the elements (which delayed us picking up the car, no parts in stock.) (Toronto Canada)
How much heat should these put out, I believe they have a thermostat on this model of seat to regulate the temp, it feels warm, but I can't tell if thats my own body heat reflecting back onto the seat.
Can any 850 owner with non powered seats (or powered with one setting heat) fill me in on the operation of theirs? This was the only thing that I really wanted the dealer to fix.
Otherwise, the 850 was such a bargain over a 2000 S70 we were looking at. It almost feels like a better car, better quality plastics in some areas, and reminds my sister of her beloved 760 (similar interior styling). Some of the plastic is just as cheap as the 760!! (those door map pockets look like they'd break if you put your foot there).
Anyhow, any information would be great.
Oh, and air conditioner reliability? I'm keeping my fingers crossed, her 760 only lasted a few years after she purchased it in 1993 (it was a 1987). The 760 GLE is now my winter car. I drive a Bertone X1/9 (Fiat) during the summer ;)
Cheers