Comfortable and reliable motoring
Nothing major went wrong. A very well made and reliable car.
Very reliable and comfortable. Not ultra quick, but quick enough.
Well built and dependable car. Quite thirsty 29 mpg.
Had to let it go due to its fuel consumption. Sorry to see it go.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th December, 2009
A real 'Q' car
Seized rear brake caliper.
Oil leaks from rear crank seal and turbo.
Rear suspension bushes.
Rear shocks.
Very fast in a straight line but wheelspin is a problem.
Very comfortable on long runs.
Handling doesn't like to be rushed even though I've changed all the suspension bushes and upgraded to Koni dampers.
High ownership costs and needs regular TLC. I can't criticize as I knew the car needed work when I bought it.
For the price, nothing will touch this for value and performance.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th July, 2008
Lovely, I'd have another one
Radiator punctured. Not a problem really.
New alternator..Ouch.
New wing mirror... sounds easy enough, you could by a new computer for less!
Paint 'bloomed' on the bonnet.
A lovely, lovely car. Very comfortable, but back seat passengers complained of motion sickness.
The 850 is definitely a mile muncher, a continent crusher and not a 'hop to the shop' vehicle. It eats front rubber!
Fantastically roomy and you can put a small continent in the back, or several Labradors.
The 850 is license losingly quick, heaven only knows what the T5R is like, which it why the feds used them I suppose.
The car handles very well indeed and can be coaxed into some rather sporty action without too many scares. Don't turn the traction control off though; I did and terrified myself!
The looks are a little dated, but a classic that will never offend.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th February, 2008
Worth considering
New CAT at 179K. Needed new servo for brakes at 190K. Watchout for leaks in steering the whole rack has to be replaced and it's a very expensive job. I just kept topping up the fluid.
Needed to replace the oil seals at 182K, very expensive, but it did not run dry on oil which would have been a nightmare.
Overall a remarkable car. The work I did was not as a result of poor quality parts. They were replaced after 180K. To be fair no real work was done to the car until it got to 180K. When I sold it close to the 200K mark the clutch was starting to slip. Amazing that the shocks were original and it drove remarkably well for the miles.
Fuel economy is not good and the parts are too expensive. I don't know how volvo can charge the prices they do? Rip off!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 9th June, 2007
In terms of quality it is hard to rival
I have experienced a few problems with the electrics and the interior.
After a year of driving the car, half of the dashboard failed to light up along with the right side of the stereo. this has been quite costly to repair. The heated seated and electric mirrors haven't worked for years and the glove box lock stuck and fails to open even with the key. Has anyone else experienced this?
The drivers door also makes a terrible clunking noise when opened. the lights also stop working and need to be constantly replaced and when I turn the engine off the seat belt lights stay on and drain the battery.
Relatively cheap to run and insure.
Comfortable, safe ride.
Excellent engine quality.
Riddled with small problems that are expensive to keep putting right.
Excellent sound system.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th January, 2007
1996 850 wagon. Most comfortable long range car I have owned,-safe, good mileage BUT,-Fixing A/C cost is crazy, back tail gate will not stay open, master brake cylinder went bad as did computer for anti lock brakes (sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not!) Windshield wiper blade refuses to touch glass unless I keep bending it, rear glass cost is nuts ($700). Shock absorbers too costly. Front seals on axle wore grove in axle causing axle replacement ($1200) Under powered at higher elevation out West. Dash lights do not always work. Electric window switches need replacing ($200) Driver's door has broken weld,-big noise when opening door,-Body shop will fix for $200.Would not buy another one. Daughter has one also,--her thoughts are the same. Bob C.
11th Jun 2007, 02:10
You answered your own question! Volvo can charge too much for their bits, but as your 180K miles show - they last well. No cheap bits!