1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4 5 cylinder

Summary:

On the plus side, it's being crushed this weekend after I take delivery of a new vehicle

Faults:

The better question would be, what hasn't gone wrong?

The seats are worn, but I'm not going to slate Volvo for that, that's just general wear and tear.

Now on to the vehicle itself. So far, I've had to replace the dash unit once every 30k miles, because the odometer stops reading the mileage.

I fix an oil leak every 4,000 miles, and have to add a quart of oil every 750-1000 miles. When I fix a leak, another one starts in a different location, it's almost a game now called find the hidden leak.

It gets terrible gas mileage, around 23 highway miles mpg.

Here's a list of what I've had to replace: upper radiator hose, radiator, plugs and wires 8 times, various other hoses, fixed the 3rd brake light I don't even know how many times so far; I know it's more than 10; the last time I just soldered the connections.

It won't pass smog as it's a schedule 34 vehicle in CA, which means it absolutely will not pass smog, because it won't clear out enough monitors, so I have to take it to a referee station.

I spent $5400 on the vehicle when I took ownership, and have sunk probably the same amount in fixing it and just keeping it going.

General Comments:

Maybe I just got a lemon, but this car is a piece of garbage. Nothing but a mechanical failure fueled nightmare.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th June, 2010

27th Jul 2011, 14:36

It definitely sounds like you got a lemon, though a couple of those problems, like the worn seats, and the constant need to replace the odometer are common in these cars, and are currently things that I need to fix in my 850.

15th Dec 2011, 10:52

Worn seats?? What a lemon. The odometer is a 10$ part you can get off eBay, and a 30 minute DIY fix.

16th Dec 2011, 12:54

With 200000 miles on the clock, I don't think you got a lemon.

If driven normally, the gas mileage is not so bad.

The seats are top quality. Mine, after 15 years of use, still look new.

1996 Volvo 850 GLE Sedan B5252S 10 Valve

Summary:

Safe and comfortable tank for the highway!

Faults:

Minor wear-and-tear; the car was very well maintained before I bought it.

General Comments:

I bought this car to use as a daily highway commuter vehicle, and so far, have been quite impressed.

The seats are comfortable, the structure is solid, and the car rides and handles nicely.

I'm aware these cars need regular maintenance in order to be trouble-free. The 10-valve, 5-cylinder engine gives the car decent pickup, and feels like it car withstand a lot of hard use.

Cruising the highway at well over the legal limit is this car's forte; it feels effortless. In accelerating, it sounds great, too!

I've only used high-octane fuel, and so far the mileage is good (about 10L/100K). I'm sure the car will need work down the road (CV joints are wearing, and the rear strut mount is rattling), but for the time being, I'm really enjoying it.

The usual 850 problems have all been experienced and rectified in this car (A/C evaporator, leaky rear main seal, burnt out light bulbs, broken odometer etc.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2010

30th Dec 2010, 23:44

Update on the above posting: Just sold the car. Enjoyed it, and drove it hard for a year and 30k. No complaints from me, nor the car! The nice thing about these cars is that they can be driven flat-out without fear of being broken; even with hundreds of thousands in mileage. It did need the usual maintenance (PCV service, strut bushings, ball joints, tires and brake pads), which its new owner was only too happy to do.

I replaced the 850 with a non-turbo, lower mileage 2000 S70.

In reply to 30th Dec 2010, 23:44

26th Oct 2011, 10:43

Another update!

The 2000 S70 I replaced this 850 with just spun its CVVT, then the camshaft, and bent some valves. Sold for scrap.

Bought another 1996 850 10 valve now instead. Just like the last one.

In reply to 26th Oct 2011, 10:43

18th Dec 2011, 16:50

I also own a 1996 850 2.5 10v, and it is the most reliable, solid, well built vehicle I have ever owned.

2nd Jan 2013, 22:13

Update: still a spectacular vehicle. Nearly 270K km, and this year, only a wheel bearing, door check strap, and a handful of light bulbs needed replacing.

PCV service is coming due for sure, and the ABS module has gone out (common), but the car still soldiers on daily without complaint.

These cars are sturdy vehicles, that stand up very well to more challenging usage.

In warm weather, there is a bit of an exhaust plume on start up (valve stem seals), but on a 17 year old vehicle with this kind of mileage, I think it's almost expected.