1992 Volvo 850 gle 2.4

Summary:

Good reliable car with nice seats, but forget about performance and fuel economy

Faults:

Air con fan in positions 1, 2 & 3 broke, but the setting 4 worked. Very expensive to fix, I was told by the Volvo dealer. Windscreen wipers were ordinary. Gas rams for the boot needed replacing.

General Comments:

OK car, comfort was the best part, Volvo have great seats, other manufactures should copy them. Engine was absolutely gutless and needed to be gunned to make the car move at anything other than snails pace. Fuel economy was shocking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2006

1995 Volvo 850 t5 Estate 2.3 turbo

Summary:

Safe, fast and way to much fun Never under estimate a VOLVO

Faults:

Air mix, Rear seal on Eng, Tracs and ABS lights on from new ABS modification harness $2500.00 in 97. Air con dash unit and Climate control computer replaced warranty, rear seat belt frozen replaced.

General Comments:

My T5 wagon is a great car I love it, it still blows away most bigger cars on the road. As I am in the Highlands I use the Pass's up an down from the south coast and LOVE it. I have just rebuilt the turbo, it's time to play with the rest of it now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2005

1996 Volvo 850 S Wagon 2.5 20 valve

Summary:

Outstanding Wagon which is satisfying to drive

Faults:

Lost a headlamp wiper blade.Replacement only come in pairs!

Windscreen washer failed, had to clean the T valve.

Pipe cover underneath came loose. Difficult to find replacement.

General Comments:

Excellent wagon with huge load space.

Excellent performance from the 2.5 20v engine.

Excellent road holding, mine is fitted with 17in wheels from turbo model.

Somewhat dated interior for a 1996 car, but good quality and durable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2005

1995 Volvo 850 SE 2.5 Litre

Summary:

The car ran well, and performed faultlessly

Faults:

The starter motor was replaced prior to purchase.

General Comments:

Great long distance traveler.

Seats a little un-supportive for long trips. Not as fresh as a Jaguar seat after a long run.

Good economy for long distances.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2004

24th Oct 2004, 22:34

I forgot to add, that I had bought this care off the Internet, and arrived from China and picked it up. A RACV mechanical check was done, and looked good.

We did over 5,000 kiometers on the trip covering two weeks. We drove from Melbourne to Canberra, and through to Batemans Bay. Then to Sydney the next day. On to Coffs Harbour and then Brisbane, and eventually Noosa Heads. On the way back we went to the Gold Coast, Ballina and via Grafton to the Hunter Vally, and stayed at Pokolbin. From Pokolbin to Gouldburn, and back to Melbourne. The car ran well, and the economy was good returning below 9 litres per 100 kilometers. That's about 31.5 mpg. No speeding tickets, but we did some spirited driving through some mountains and mainly highway driving for the balance.

1996 Volvo 850 R 2.4 turbo

Summary:

Best value performance/luxury package

Faults:

'Top' engine mount cracked.

Air conditioning compressor packed in.

Brake disc ground/worn out.

Driver's heated seat not working.

General Comments:

The performance was underpowered on take off, but once the engine's RPM was up around the 2500 mark it performed very well (depending on what gear you were in), especially when driving in excess of 110 kmh and overtaking.

Interior fit out was second to none (almost) with power everything and leather.

Tyres and wheels look fantastic, but with such a low profile on a heavy car, I was always worried about the cattle grids/railway crossing's on the way to the family's farm.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2001

1st May 2005, 16:41

I am between two minds at the moment between another Mercedes or an 850. The T-5 and the R still fetch a good $20000+, however, The base models can be bought for around $7000. This makes me wonder if these cars are as reliable as say the old 4 cyl, rear drive Volvo's? The Volvo 850 T-5 and the R have more room compared to the C-Class, and definitely more power. I can't justify the $60000+ for a W202 C36 or C43, especially for the age.

Can you give me some indication as to what to look out for with these cars, do they have a life span?