1996 850 R unbeliveable!!

Hi Alistair

The 1996 850 was not the last model year as witness my 1997 850 AWD stick-shift wagon. Both my wife and I are very happy with the (still) working glovebox. Research at Cambridge U. seems to be no longer what it was.

Andy I.

I, too have a '97 850 but it's a non-turbo 2WD. My glove box, opened and closed about twice a day, works just fine. In all other respects, I am quite satisfied with this vehicle.

Chuck Fiedler Noth>Hi Alistair

Help me understand why you are all worked up about parts on 16 and 12 year old cars eventually breaking. Especially a small part that usually gets slammed shut on an overstuffed glove box.

Maybe because, when it happens, it's a royal pain in the arse to sort out?

After hearing all of the horror stories, I printed a little sign that says

'Please open carefully'

and stuck it right on the handle. It might not be very elegant but I surely don't fancy the prospect of going in with a hacksaw blade, etc., if somebody breaks it.

cheers,

Henry

Old parts that are frequently used and misused eventually break. Just replace it after 16 years.

Does it really break often? I've never replaced a glove box latch in a 240 or 740. Those cars each have their own quirks though, they should have teamed with Rubbermaide to make the parking brake cover and door pockets on the 240s, and the headliner on the 740s leaves much to be desired. I still love the cars though.

Apparently ... yes. It seems to be one of those 'known problems' with the 850s, along with the electric seat adjustment cables, and the windscreen wiper, and the (automatic transmission) shifter cut-out, and ...

I like my '95 850T too and, in fact, I've 'babied' it (presently less than 50K miles) -- but, things can and do go wrong, even in Volvoland.

cheers,

Henry