Faults:

The only problems I have had with this car was a crack on the right side of the radiator, probably happened due to lost of stress under my driving style when I first got the car. The seat back cable needs to be repaired not allowing me to raise the back of my seat.

General Comments:

This car handles very well with a bit of over-steer in turns it stays in its limits, but the back end can slide if you push too much. The brakes are under dimensioned, but can be remedied. The cabin has plenty of room front and back with an extra large sunroof (in comparison) This car had treated me very well and I am currently looking to buy another one, that is how happy I am with it. Though if you plan to look for future upgrades you would want to go with one above a 94".

Faults:

Clearcoat has disintegrated in spots, namely on top edge of rear fenders and trunk-lid. The red finish is otherwise impeccable.

Somehow, the previous owner managed to break the console arm rest and, mirrors in sun visors. Salvage yard replacements work fine.

Bumper rub strips have gone gray with age, yet cleaning agents have restored them to original black.

General Comments:

Interior is well packaged and beautifully trimmed. Leather is soft and of high quality, while plastic switches, and the like, feel and function like a million bucks.

Tight suspension allows for fantastic handling for a sedan, yet produces a rough ride over all, but the most perfect surfaces.

All options work, including original sunroof and trunk mounted CD changer.

Winter traction is better than in any car I can remember.

The car is quick, and the transmission is the best automatic I have ever encountered in a Volvo.

Faults:

I bought my 1993 Volvo 850 in 1995 with 30K miles on it. It now has 165K miles on it.

At around 80K the transmission was leaking fluid somehow. The Volvo dealer determined that the transmission housing casting was porous and the fluid was just bleeding through the walls. They got a new one, installed it, and it leaked during the test drive. The third one has been fine.

The rear main seal started leaking at 130K and $1K later it is repaired.

This car was my primary commuting vehicle with no passengers. The driver seat wore completely through at the bolsters. The rarely sat upon passenger seats ripped at the seams. I got some nice seats out of a 1995 850 and installed them four months ago.

The radiator cracked last year and had to be replaced.

The lights in the rocker switches on the dash went out. For 1993 and 1994 those little bulbs were soldered into the switches, so you need to buy new switches- $30-$60 each.

General Comments:

Contrast this to my 1992 740 wagon with 265k miles with one valve job and no other work other than regular maintenance. Everything is far better in the 92 than in the 93.

This car has the same style drive train as the new XC-90. I won't be buying one of those.

I would not recommend any 850 or any of the newer (cheaper manufactured) Volvos.

I traded in my restored 1969 2002 BMW as down payment for this 850. The 2002 was a better car.