1992 Volvo 850 GLE 2.4

Summary:

Fantastic, reliable, everyone should have one

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with my car so far.

General Comments:

This car has just done the Le Mans, and even though it's an automatic, it still gave great performance.

It's fantastic on fuel and very comfortable. Having children, safety is a big issue, and Volvo always deliver.

I bought this car for next to nothing; what a bargain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2007

1992 Volvo 850 GLT 2.0 20 valve

Summary:

Boxy, well built 5 cylinder bargain

Faults:

Offside front brake caliper was sticking, I found a tiny amount of corrosion on the piston which I cleaned up successfully.

The exhaust tailpipe rear mounting had rusted through, but I think at least most of the exhaust is original!

The service history tells me the engine was replaced under warranty at only 40k, a conrod let go only 50 miles after it's 40k service.

General Comments:

I bought this car because it was cheap, but what a bargain!

I paid £850 for it, private sale. Despite having 154k on the clock you cannot see or feel any wear in the mechanics or the interior (that includes the driver's seat).

Despite being heavy, it handles through corners really well, better than my Saab 9000 and the 5 cylinder engine sounds great, trouble is it needs to be revved hard to get any power from it (but it is free revving and smooth).

This car is superbly built with fantastic seats and feels like it will do 300k easily.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2004

1992 Volvo 850 GLT 2.5 20V

Faults:

Nothing, in the six months I've owned the car.

General Comments:

Mine was one of the first demonstrator cars in the UK, on a 'J' plate, but it is still immaculate inside and out, with 56K miles on the clock.

The seats are very comfortable, and the controls fall readily to hand. Performance is acceptable, with a pleasing engine note from the 5 cylinder block, but I'd have rather had a T5 if my insurers had been more amenable, and certainly wouldn't consider a 2.0 model as it's got a big heavy body to shift - the car, not me!

Does over 30mpg on a motorway run at a steady 70-80mph.

My dealer (Lancaster, Brentwood) is efficient and the staff very polite, but as with all Volvo dealers, they will clear your wallet at every service.

Unlike comparable BMW and Mercedes models, thieves and vandals ignore the Volvo, but to me this is a desirable, well made car which should last me until I'm old enough to buy and insure that T5!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 1999