No, this isn’t a rerun article from way back, I actually rented a Curbside Classic last week. First though, some background…Our family has developed somewhat of a tradition wherein, while some years we do vacation together, my wife likes to plan and take budget semi-backpacker trips to exotic locales such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Peru, Australia etc. for two to three weeks every summer and has taken our oldest with her since she was a fairly mature 7-year-old.
While at first it made no sense for all of us to go every year (as the other kids were still very young and thus really just a bother since they couldn’t appreciate it as well incurring a significantly greater expense), the reality is that from a business standpoint it’s tough for all of us to be gone at the same time and I really don’t like high levels of humidity (as in much of Asia) or long airplane rides.
Hence I tend to volunteer to stay home with the boys and often take them on a roadtrip somewhere instead or do other things, usually after the ladies return. This has become a sort of running joke amongst our friends wherein it is said that the “Top Producer” in our family/business gets an all-expense paid trip to an exotic far-away land and second place (me) gets to drive through Nebraska to the Mid-West (as I’ve ventured to Chicago amongst other places with the boys).
As our middle child has gotten older he has now been deemed worthy of traveling to the interesting places, which last year resulted in only my youngest and me taking a road trip to Canada’s middle Provinces (Canada’s Mid-West?) and this year deciding to visit the Seattle area as he has gotten hugely into airplanes.
His idea of entertainment seems to be watching anything airplane related including crew training videos on YouTube and staying up very late building elaborate Lego airports with for example actual motorized jetways and horror scenarios such as airplanes with standing room only (which really isn’t that far off from the sadly more and more popular 28-inch pitch). So, off to the land of Boeing it was. (As I write this, he just came out of his room and wanted my opinion on the retractable landing gear he just added to his large Lego plane. I looked at it and it actually works, uncovers and unfolds.)
Since this was a bit of an impromptu last-minute trip with less than a couple of weeks to plan, we first booked the airline and while we all know I don’t love flying (to clarify, I like the idea of flying, I like airplanes, I love the technology, I merely hate what commercial flight in this country has become from the frugal passenger’s point of view), I nevertheless sucked it up and booked a couple of seats on Frontier (there was a very good sale going on) and then booked our tour at Boeing’s Everett factory (747, 777, 787).
It turned out that the best hotel option both from a location and price perspective on Tour Day was actually a Hilton Garden Inn literally on the grounds of Paine Field overlooking the runways and delivery/production areas of the factory. For the other few days we found what turned out to be a great AirBnb in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood.
Then came the rental car, usually my favorite part of the planning. This time, there was literally NOTHING available at a reasonable price. The smallest subcompacts (as there were only two of us and I would have loved to sample a Spark or Sonic etc.) were at the $400 level for four days. I thought this must be an anomaly, thought $200 would be more realistic and waited a few days, which didn’t change a thing.
I then remembered my old favorite SilverCar – I quickly realized that apparently after they got bought out by Audi last year their rates have now gone through the roof, so they were off my list. I then thought of Brendan and William and tried Turo. Well, when I saw that people on Turo can ask (and apparently get!) $70/day for their beat-looking 2002 Mk IV Jetta for those particular days in Seattle, I knew I might be in trouble.
However, I then thought a bit more out of the box. After searching for “Cheap Rental Car” a small company named Mashariki-Rent-A-Car popped up. It turned out they rent older cars at relatively low prices. I called and spoke with a pleasant fellow named Lui, who turned out to be the owner. He explained that summers have gotten very busy in Seattle (thus pricy) and he had a few cars left but no Corolla such as I was asking about.
He offered a 2002 Taurus (no thanks, not a fan), a 2006 Dodge Caravan (overkill for two), and then let drop that he had a Volvo available. Ooh, this could work. Yes, a Volvo 850 sedan for $35/day plus tax, no other charges (much more than the Corolla but still cheap compared to everything else I was seeing elsewhere). Since his location is off-airport, I asked about that and was told that he would pick us up and drop us off when we were done. Alright, sold, how often can one rent a real Curbside Classic…
True to his word, when we landed and I texted Lui, he replied that he was already on his way after tracking our flight and soon pulled up outside baggage claim in a white 1996 Volvo 850 sedan. We put our stuff in the trunk, got Riley settled in his booster seat, and drove the car back to the office to do the paperwork and drop Lui off (after he stopped and refilled the tank to replace the gas we used getting us). They don’t do that at Enterprise…
Lui, it turns out, immigrated from Kenya about seventeen years ago and after finding a normal job, somehow starting renting a couple of cars on the side. As he saw it taking off quickly, he gave up his job and starting running this new venture full time. Now he is up to about forty-five cars, the newest being about a decade old and the oldest actually being “our” Volvo 850. He has several Volvos, various Toyota Corollas, and then an assortment of other cars in all shapes and sizes. He tends to buy them at auction and picks up what others don’t seem to want.
This Volvo, for example, he purchased about a decade ago at an auction for very little money, at the time it had about 100,000 miles on it. Since then it has traveled another 144,000 miles and according to Lui has never needed any major engine work, all the electrics have worked well and the transmission is either original (or was replaced before he got it, either way it’s never had an issue).
Lui speaks our CC language, he certainly lives/loves old cars and actually is an amateur rally driver, using a Subaru WRX that he bought used and has converted into a race car. His office is filled with pictures, his race suit, some car parts, and a few trophies.
After the paperwork which included a sheet of pictures detailing existing damage to the car (minor, likely less than anything most of us would own with almost a quarter of a million miles on it), he handed over the keys and we were off! But first I must make a point of mentioning that I’ve driven my fair share of rental cars over the years. This one was obviously the highest mileage one and while worn in places, was immaculately clean inside.
Many rental cars I seem to get from major carriers are quite filthy with dirty windows and seem to suffer very lackluster care. I’m hardly a germaphobe by any means and I admittedly don’t wash my own cars overly often but when I’m paying money for something I expect it to be clean. Maybe it’s Karma for something I did but Lui and his Volvo delivered way beyond expectations in that regard. This car was clean beyond all expectation.
As I settled into the nicely broken in but still perfectly functional Volvo seat, I reflected on how since this car was already over two decades old, it could very possibly be the one and only time that my son (now eight years old) would ever ride in a Volvo 850. Sure, you never know, but they aren’t getting more common and while still around, seem to already be outnumbered by the even older 240’s.
This 850 was of 1996 vintage and seemed loaded for the day – power everything including memory seats, sunroof, leather, basically all the fixin’s. Noteworthy by their absence was anything touchscreen, or any kind of screen besides a small radio display and the trip computer operated by an actual dial, how quaint. In its stead was a sense of space. Large windows, a cabin that didn’t encroach on you, with plenty of space to sprawl out and just enjoy the ride.
That ride, by the way, was great. Powered by the standard 850’s 5-cylinder engine (2.4 liter) producing 168hp when new, although surely some of the horses have left the barn by now, this engine drives the front wheels though a 4-speed automatic with a toggle switch for Sport or Economy modes. Perry Shoar wrote up the Volvo 850 a few years ago if you’re interested in the entire history of the model.
Somehow, lounging in that seat just made me go with the flow, I don’t think I ever even fully floored the throttle. I just glided up the onramps onto the freeway and floated down the offramps. There was no urge to go faster than the flow of traffic, no need to cut and thrust. However, the Volvo kept up with everything, stopped when needed, and rounded corners with aplomb.
Bumps were dispatched in a firm manner (maybe a bit too firm, I doubt the suspension is anywhere like it once was) but rattles were remarkably few and Riley and I were able to keep up conversation the whole time, remarking on topics as diverse as swimming pools and ice cream along with airplanes and cars of course.
The 5-cylinder just rumbled along quietly in the background. There is something about the sound of an inline-5 that I really like, having been a big Audi fan that’s part of it, but it’s a very different sort of sound as compared to a 4 or a 6. To me, it’s soothing, so I was in my element.
Our first stop was at Boeing Field (very close to Sea-Tac) which houses a great museum dedicated to the history of flight. Having visited some years ago I was surprised to see how much larger it has become. I knew the first 747 ever built, the “City Of Everett”, was there but now you are allowed to actually board it.
Also available for boarding were the first 787 (Dreamliner), a Concorde (the museum isn’t strictly Boeing), the first 737, the Air Force One (707) from the Nixon era as well as various other passenger and military airplanes as well as some helicopters.
Also represented is an excellent Apollo space exhibit and a full-size Space Shuttle mockup that astronauts used to train on made of plywood, cloth, and seemingly various other things available in most suburban garages…Fascinating stuff for an 8-year old and this 47-year old.
This trip is where I got to see the world through the eyes of an 8-year old again and remembered what it was like when I was that age. The amazement (“Really? I get to actually GO ON THE FIRST 747?), the boredom (“Do we really have to walk around Seattle? It’s just buildings and people and stuff. I could be productive and watching a video.”) and the reluctant acceptance of fate (“Are we there yet?”).
It’s also the first time I really realized or thought about that there now seem to be more people out there that are younger than me than there are people that are older than me. (I’m 47 currently). I have no idea if it’s true but even if one discounts kids that often aren’t seen during the weekdays such as when we travelled, at 47 I’m halfway between a 17-year old and a 77-year old so it is quite likely. Many of the items that represented “history” on this trip were built during my lifetime and I remember when they were “new”. Sobering thoughts.
The next day we visited the Boeing factory in Everett. They enforce a VERY strict no camera, no phones, no electronics policy on the tour so sadly I have no pictures of my own. However, it was quite impressive, the Everett factory is the largest building in the world (by volume, natch), and really, it is absolutely enormous. Take a look at the picture above and figure out which of the tiny specks are parked cars and then look at the building…
Once inside, when you realize you are looking at four Boeing 787’s nose to tail along the narrow dimension of the building in its assembly area with room for two rows of them and more equipment and airplane parts and THEN realize this is just one of the six main bays you realize that you have lost all sense of scale.
Leaving the building didn’t help either as I saw a nice little 737 without engines with British Airways tail colors just outside and then was told that’s actually a 777, not a 737. Oy. It was certainly very interesting and kind of made the Ford F-150 assembly line we toured at the Detroit meet-up seem like a child’s Erector set.
We also saw two Boeing “Dreamlifters” which my son explained to me were 747’s converted (they look like a very pregnant 747) to carry all the components for the 787 from around the world including fuselage sections and whole wings. When we woke up the next morning they were both gone, likely on the other side of the world to ferry more parts back to Everett.
The rest of the time that we had we spent in Seattle proper along with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for lunch on our last day. Washington State’s ferry systems is inexpensive, frequent, punctual, and very clean; if anyone is visiting the area I highly encourage a ride.
We rode on the MV Tacoma, which is one of their newer “Jumbo”-class ferries, built in 1996 just like our Volvo. With 16,000hp from 4 x EMD 16-710G Diesel-Electric engines, it takes about half an hour for the Seattle-Bainbridge crossing at a top speed of 18 knots (about 21mph), although I don’t think it cruises at its top speed. Just like us in our Volvo. With space for 2500 passengers and about 200 vehicles, it’s a big boat! But at just over $12 roundtrip for both of us (sans car), it was a fun and inexpensive side trip.
35 years ago I travelled with my parents on the Kaleetan, which is one of their smaller (relatively speaking) ferries, on a longer voyage to the San Juan Islands if I am remembering that correctly; that same boat happened to pull in right beside us at the Seattle pier when we returned from Bainbridge. My mother still has the hand-made and painted wooden Christmas tree ornament one can purchase seasonally with the name painted on it from that trip. Since then I’ve been to Seattle numerous times, but I think my last trip was around a decade ago.
All the while, the Volvo was our faithful servant. From Sea-Tac airport to Everett and back to Seattle with some city driving and eventually the return trip to the airport, the car returned approximately 23mpg over the 150 or so miles that we used it for. Lui recommended mid-grade which we filled it up with before returning it in order for him to drive us back to the airport.
Overall, a wonderful end of summer trip. School starts today for Riley, which means I need to get busy with work again. Maybe this year I can be the “Top Producer”. Ah, who am I kidding… Seattle was as great a place as always (if not even better) and for once (and only once?) there was absolutely zero precipitation while we were there, just days of endless sunshine and mid-70’s temperatures. Plane models I’ve been flying on for years that I remember being new are now older, Washington’s ferries are still plying their trade, and Volvos “modern” front-wheel-drive car is now a genuine Curbside Classic but in at least Seattle it is available for rent to anyone who desires a ride in one.
Jim,
That is a very good car that you had as a rental.
As a lifelong Volvo enthusiast, I can safely say (no pun intended!) that the 850 was the best car the company produced just before they were bought out by Ford in 1999.
I own this car’s twin, a 1996 NA (normally aspirated) model. I bought it during my senior year of college, 12 years ago, to replace an identical 1993 model that was totaled when I was in a car accident in Vermont. I still have the ’96 and it only has 97k original miles on it. It’s a garage queen these days as I drive my 1989 740 and 2000 V70 on a daily basis.
Oooh, cool! I just got gifted a 95 850 Turbo wagon. It definitely is a loungey ride. How cool is this company you found???
Mya,
You have a fabulous automobile – the 95 850 Turbo wagons are awesome cars and will last you a lifetime if you maintain them to a T. If I may ask, are you the individual who owns a 1989 BMW E30 325i ragtop with about 200k on it?
I am a lifelong Volvo enthusiast and member of the Volvo Club of America. If this is your first Volvo 850, I can give you advice on maintaining and repairing it, as well as a summary about its quirks and needs. I have owned 4 850s and they have all been wonderful – in fact, I still have one of them, a 1996 NA model. Feel free to shoot me an email any time – jrosales@saintmikesalum.com
Thank you! I am the very same individual – the E30 only has about 170k though. 🙂 This is my first Volvo 850 and I’d love any advice you can give me! I’ll for sure drop a line.
You rock-
Mya
A couple of quirks I remember about mine. The original tires were prone to sidewall damage; hopefully they’ve been replaced with something sturdier on your car. There was actually a class-action suit about them back in the day. My 850 also had surprisingly poor winter traction, which again might be due to the performance tires. Still loved that car, but it may be something to watch for.
I loved by 1995 Turbowagon. Bought it for $1,500. An accident resulting in $3,000 worth of repairs totalled it.
The 850s will go forever however you must:
1. Change the oil religiously.
2. Change the automatic transmission fluid every 60-70k miles, regardless of the manufacturer’s stated recommendations. Volvo or Toyota fluids only.
3. Service the PCV system. You can blow out the main seal if it becomes clogged and pressure builds in the crankcase. Oil in the sparkplug wells or blowby out of the oil fill cap are tell-tale signs.
Ah, I’m jealous! Had one of those myself and absolutely loved it. May you have many happy miles together.
Thank you all!! 🙂
What a great article ~
Your Son will never forget and now I want to go visit this Boeing museum too .
-Nate
Cool idea for a trip – a neat museum!
To clarify (if necessary) – The museum that we went to first is http://www.museumofflight.org/ and is at Boeing Field very close to Sea-Tac airport. Without kids (i.e. just interested adults that have time figure at least half a day, maybe the whole day. With kids who aren’t perhaps totally into everything pick and choose what to spend time on but you likely still need at least two hours to glance at everything quickly.
The Boeing factory tour is at Paine Field in Everett and ALSO has a museum of sorts but it’s nowhere near as elaborate and is more of a way to spend maybe an hour before the tour. The website is https://www.futureofflight.org/ and tours need to generally be booked in advance. They do also have a great rooftop observation deck that overlooks the runway and planes after they leave the paintshop that they sometimes close for private parties or delivery ceremonies if appropriate. We went up and just hung out for an hour waiting for something big to take off on a test flight.
Enjoyable read and sounds like a fun trip! Who knew there were companies that rented out cars that old. Sounds like interesting business venture, and it’s good to see people who leave their whole lives and all they knew for a new start around the world succeed, especially with an entrepreneurial venture.
Glad your son got the chance to ride in an 850, as I concur, they are getting rarer.
Brendan,
Forgot to mention to you, I have another Volvo in my stable, a 1996 NA 850 that I have owned since February 2005. I bought it during my senior year of college with 60k on it – it replaced a totaled 1993 850.
It now has 97k original miles and is in mint condition. It’s a garage queen nowadays and I don’t intend on selling it.
Sweet! I love the 850/S70s… there’s just something so proportionate about them.
Working on your V70 btw as we speak. Hoping to have it up in the next few weeks.
Glad to hear you had such a good time in our fair city. I take the ferry to Bainbridge pretty frequently, but it’s been ages since I’ve been to the Museum of Flight. Lui sounds like a pretty impressive fellow, a real go-getter.
Jim: I wish you had taken me on this trip. I am not eight but this is exactly what I would want to do in Seattle – including the ferry and renting an old car.
I’d buy a few airplane models at the Museum of Flight. A side trip to Tacoma for the car museum and to see the old Buick & Chevrolet dealerships in downtown would be my add on. I believe you and your son have about 99% of the same interests that I do.
And I want to try the rental company too.
Yeah no rain in Seattle this summer, we broke records for the longest period without measurable precipitation at SeaTac (which is silly because I don’t know anyone that lives at the airport) with 55 days, and when it did rain it only filled the gauge to .02″ of and now we are on another streak of no rain.
The Everett plant is amazing, been a while since I did the factory tour, but I was in the some of the offices a couple of years ago to give a presentation and they also go on for miles and miles at that facility.
An enjoyable read on many levels. Among them, it was always enjoyable to spend time with one kid one-on-one for a few days. And I also understand the aging part. Damn, a 707 in a museum? Why only recently it was the picture of a modern jetliner. 🙂
What a great rental experience. Given the service you got from Liu, I would have even taken the Taurus. Did you try to talk him into adding some fuselage Chryslers or a Checker Marathon? His rentals could become a CC destination trip.
Yes, if we do it again I’d be happy with any of his fleet. Lui (Pronounced like Louis in French) is quite the car conversationalist. We had a great discussion regarding automobile maintenance and reliability on the way back to the airport. He’s one of us 🙂
My son and I just got back from the WPC (Walter P Chrysler) national meet, in Tacoma. Part of the activities was going to the older section of the LeMay family collection, as well as the new museum, and another day taking in the Museum of Flight In 2000 with the National DeSoto Club event in Everett took in the Boeing factory and Museum there I have 7 Mopars, ’56 DeSoto, 2 ’57 Belvederes (convertible and sportscoupe), and 2 ’64 Imperials, Coupe and convertible, and ’65 and ’66 Crown 4 doors, None of which were ready to go because of problems this last year (my lady and a best friend both passing away, and breaking my hip. We planned to take my sons Mark VIII coupe to the meet, but we thought it developed a glitch (battery was going down, turned out to be the battery) so we ended up taking his 2003 bright yellow Mustang convertible to the Chrysler meet, with my wheelchair which only fit filling up the rear seat We made the trip from Northern California (631 miles) in around 9 1/2 hours I drove not quite halfway up I-5, the first I’ve driven in over a year because of my hip, but with most on cruise control, it was fine Temps were triple diget,in California, but Tacoma was 75 with the top down.The private LeMay collection is not ideal for wheelchairs but everyone there was super helpful, as they were at the museum.. My son Nathan did a wonderful, uncomplaining job of getting me around in the chair. The WPC meet was great, seeing old friends and making new ones The trip back we saw bumper to bumper traffic going up I-5 for the eclipse. The A/C went out on the Mustang and we traveled through massive haze from forest fire a third of the way in 110 degree temps. Still, a good trip with my son
Many years ago in Los Angeles there was a rental agency that had only collector cars One time I rented a two-tone blue ’57 Fairlane 500 convertible, (all the cars were near new condition), another time a red ’59 Cadillac series “62” convertible They weren’t cheap, but I liked them Then the rent a wreck places showed up there I checked one of them out and was able to rent a ’57 Lincoln Premiere coupe with working A/C for the price of an econobox Several times when traveling I’ve asked around locally and was able to rent collector cars locally. A ’55 immaculate black Cadillac Fleetwood 60, in Colorado, a ’64 Buick Wildcat convertible in Salt Lake City, and a ’56 Plymouth Belvedere sedan from a gas station in Reno. All at reasonable prices.
Nice story ;
Sorry for your recent losses .
The wheelchair thing doesn’t get any better sad to say ~ I just got back from two dayze @ Granger Motor Circuit in Apple Valley, Ca. where my Son’s team Flat Rabbit Racing came in second in spite of mechanical difficulties and two or the riders crashing . not much fun in a wheel chair but at least the sand was hard packed .
I’d love to read details of your cars and a Chrysler National Meet .
-Nate
Ok, you and the son should get a trip next year. If he’s still into the airplane thing, maybe the Knuffingen Airport at Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg Germany. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHikZa7D2A0
He did say he wanted to go to Germany. So maybe I can talk the Top Producer into it…I’ve heard of that place you mentioned and it’d be good to see Northern Germany for a change (I grew up in Southern Germany and usually visit that end of the country). The North also opens the door to VW’s AutoStadt! Thanks for the suggestion.
Sweet trip; thanks for sharing. I’m looking forward to the Boeing Museum.
That rental outfit reminds me of one on Kauai (Hawaii). The rented us a very well worn but still hard-running ’95 (or so) Camry V6. There used to be more small independent rental outfits like that, and of course Rent A Wreck, which started out in LA really renting genuine beaters. We used to use them when we first got to LA in 1977. They eventually became a franchise, and the cars got increasingly newer and more boring. But Rent A Wreck’s lot in LA at the time was a veritable CC museum.
The museum IS great, highly recommended. Figure on about six hours or so for you to see (and read) most everything.
I actually found Lui’s outfit after first thinking to search for Rent-A-Wreck (who turned out to be all booked up). Then I tried variations. Weirdly, the first time I ever went to Seattle by myself (1992) I did rent from Rent-A-Wreck and got stuck with a horrible Ford Tempo..
Oh, you young guys! I remember getting brand new Tempos from Hertz. They were still pretty horrible.
The Boeing Dreamlifter is a very cool oddity. It reminds me of growing up in the Cape Canaveral, Florida area at the turn of the ’70s where we would see the NASA Pregnant Guppy and Super Guppy planes flying overhead on occasion.
The neighbour of a mate of mine has a 650 Volvo its been a great car for her very reliable and comfortable to drive, my mate has driven it a few times he reckons its a bit of a marshmallow in the handling but he drives a Xantia so its no really a fair comparism.
Sounds like a fun trip! I’ve never been to Seattle (actually I’ve never been out west, period) but it’s on the list of “places to go sometime”. The museum of flight and Boeing factory would be among my top attractions.
Also always good to hear about an entrepreneur with a different idea, and from your description of the Volvo, great attention to detail and high standards. Plus that’s far cooler than the average rental–I’ve always liked the 850 though I’ve never actually driven one. The last of the old-school Volvos, at least from a styling standpoint.
Lui represents everything I love about the US – an inspiration that drowns out the negative dialogue going on in today’s newscasts.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic trip – your son will never forget it. I first went to Seattle with my parents at age 12 for the 1962 World’s Fair and I still have some of my souvenirs. I never tire of going back to this beautiful city, though it is a much bigger metropolis today. My friends on Whidbey Island took me to the Boeing plant a few years ago – would love to return and to see the museum.
Your review of the Volvo ranks right up there with Brendan’s excellent and enjoyable road tests of used cars.
Reminds me of my ’96 850 5-speed manual I got in 2000. I really wanted a stick shift Volvo because I wanted a mature man’s car and at the time I wasn’t sure they still made them with manuals. I found an independent dealer specializing in used Volvos and they had an ex-European delivery car that had been owned by a military officer. I got 100,000 miles of my own from that car and miss the song of the I-5. I weep a little when I see another 850.
I like Seattle, too, and may have occasion to visit next year with my kid who will be 9. Good ideas for places to see.
Seattle is a great city and I would love to go back to see more of it.
Lui sounds like a fabulous guy and he’s got a great business model. It sounds like a great trip and seeing it with an 8 year old sounds like a great time made even better.
Given your choice of the Caravan, the Taurus, and the Volvo, it was pretty much a no-brainer. It’s too bad Lui didn’t have some ’90s era GM B-body; that would have had your name written all over it.
You know, it’s weird, but the older Volvo’s (i.e. anything remotely box-shaped) to me kind of feel like a Swedish version of the B-Body (or Panther). Roomy, comfortable, great visibility, and just overall very cruisable/relaxing to drive.
My 850 wagon is so similar to a b-body in so many ways vibe-wise even though it’s not even remotely on the same sphere quality-wise. The nice highway float. The “whoosh” as you depress the big brake pedal. Oh, and the ROOM.
One-on-one daddy-daughter trips have been enjoyable and really reinforced the bond between me and both my kids and provided lots of great memories. Unfortunately, a trip to a Boeing factory has never been on the itinerary.
I owned a 1996 850 very similar to the one shown here for about 7 years old and really liked the car for its airy, roomy cabin, comfortable seats, and overall handling. Even new, the ride could be harsh and I did experience the sidewall failure noted above. Given my experience with older Volvos, I am somewhat surprised the example you rented has had no electrical issues. Good to see one still on the road!
Wonderful trip and story — thanks for sharing.
When I was Riley’s age, my parents owned an always-breaking-down 1980 Subaru. When it was out of commission, Mom would rent an older car from a small place like Lui’s. For me it was pure heaven, because the cars would typically be the 10-year-old big American cars that my parents loathed and I loved. I was the only one in the family that looked forward to these rental cars.
The most memorable time was when mom rented a late-1970s Ford Granada (with power seats!) and then it broke down the next day. The rental place exchanged it with a ’76 Impala 2-door… I couldn’t have been happier!
Jim, if you’d asked you could have driven my ’96 Olds when we were in Dearborn.
I guess Ed’s “Holden” had us all a little distracted that day. 🙂
Thanks Dan, I’ll remember that offer the next time I see you! Although I will admit I was more smitten by your Chrysler. It just screams Motor City to me (In all and only the good ways).
I have a 1997 850 wagon that is the most comfortable car I’ve ever owned. I can go hundreds of miles in those seats and not feel fatigued. On the contrary, I rented a 2016 Ford Edge last year and it was the most horrible thing I’ve driven in years. The Edge’s seats (I call them back and butt breakers) were unspeakably dreadful, not to mention the Edge’s harsh, bouncy ride. My 20+ year old Volvo has a firm ride but it’s well dampened and comfortable. I now know that when it’s time to replace my dear Volvo it will not be a Ford!
Time shoots along, leaving me slightly spun about by the 850 being a CC – but at 20+ years, of course it is. Very nice piece, Jim Klein, thumbnail sketch of dad and son bonding as time moves on.
I have to say too, that as that time has moved, seperate holidays for your different wants can have done your marriage nothing but good.
My sister had an 850 Turbo sedan back in the day. I remember driving it a number of times during my visits to their place, was reasonably impressed although nothing in particular stands out. Beth’s attitude towards the car was that without the turbo it would have been in incredibly boring bit of four wheeled white bread.
It turned out to be her only Volvo, not due to any failing on the part of the car, but due to the shortcomings of Volvo of America. Three years in, she was rear ended, and the car ended up in repair for close to two months due to delays in getting parts to finish the work. In the end, one or two of the bits ended up being used, just to get the car back on the road. Needless to say, she was not impressed, and Volvo was removed from her consideration list from that point on.
Berry Motor Group, a Volvo garage in Melbourne, has quite a fleet of 850s (and one Cross Country) as their loan cars, all with around 300,000 km. Every time I got in one, it struck me how much more force it took to push the accelerator pedal compared to the XC60 T6 I drove at the time, which was almost ‘zippy’ in comparison.
Jim, what a great little travelogue/review! I really admire Lui, it sounds like he’s got a great little business model going on there and I’ll try to remember the name when I finally get around to visiting Seattle.
I own two of these cars, daily drivers purchased new in ’96: a stripper 850 NA 5-speed sedan, and a loaded 850R wagon – each car with ~160K miles on them. Roomy, versatile, comfortable, great visibility, a pleasure to drive, but not cheap to fix. I’d be surprised if Lui’s 850 had an original headliner, or if he’d spent the money to keep the AC working – maybe not a priority in Canada…
The AC worked great actually, we used it a lot. And the headliner looked in excellent shape and looked factory/original to me. Maybe he got a really good one but he also has a wagon version and has had others so for whatever reason they seemed to work out for him. Perhaps the climate being mild up there in Seattle generally without a lot of extremes helped a lot.
Patrick,
If you ever sell the R wagon please let me know. I am a longtime 850 enthusiast and have been looking for a clean R for a while.
Always liked the way the cars looked. The styling has aged well.