Faults:

Mostly mechanical wear and tear. Many parts replaced expected of age and mileage, exhaust, brakes, suspension, etc.

Heated seats a bit iffy.

No rust but the paint is faded pretty badly now on the roof and boot lid (it is nearly 30 years old).

Small oil leak.

Auto box a bit jittery now.

General Comments:

1994 bright red 850 GLT. Smart looking car for a boxy 1990's Volvo. Original alloy wheels (refurbished) look great.

Comfort and reliability are strong points to say the least. Cabin is quiet and smooth, even after all this time. Seats are amazing.

2.0 20 valve petrol engine is fast enough for me even with the auto box. 30 mpg or a little more is still achievable with sensible driving.

Spacious interior, big boot.

Yes it is 2023 and I still have it, when it turns 30 next year I will be amazed it has lasted this long, but I do look after it and use it as a second car mostly.

Faults:

Black door guards have come off on one side recently.

Seats have very slight tear (black leather).

Paint is fading (nothing unusual for its age).

Rattles in the dashboard from time to time.

Oil lifter is somewhat loud while the car is warming up (I have heard this is a very normal issue).

Odometer was not working when we purchased the vehicle, in process of fixing (also a very common problem in this vehicle).

Headlight wipers don't work (normally a 200-300 dollar fix, just left it alone and is another common trait for these guys).

Currently taking it in for a repair. Something to do with the "PVC or PCV valve system". Quoted at $500 from a local mom and pop shop specializing in Volvos.

Back hatch springs don't work (also very normal, not fixed).

CV joints need replacing in the next 12 months.

Really this is just about it.

General Comments:

This is my first Volvo, second owned vehicle. My husband wanted me in something safe and reliable (he liked it because of the turbo of course :P). I have always been fond of station wagons (owned a 93 Ford Escort Wagon before this). I am also concerned about fuel economy. This Volvo met all of the requirements between my husband and I. This is probably the only vehicle we could EVER agree upon. He is very picky.

I was fortunate to buy this vehicle in amazingly well maintained shape for about $4,500 dollars with only 88,722 original miles. The dealership owner showed us that the odometer went out shortly after he purchased the vehicle (about 200 miles after his purchase).

I cannot tell you how much I love this vehicle. It has all the bells and whistles (fortunately most of them work :P). The seat heaters work most of the time, all the power windows work (with occasional quirks).This car is very fast. This car has pretty good vision (not many blind spots). This car is very comfortable and spacious. This car is very safe.

On another note, this vehicle is quirky, even moody. It has many little issues all around (most of which I listed above). It can also be expensive to fix from time to time, but I love it regardless. This is an awesome vehicle.

My husband had this same vehicle in sedan form. It saved his life. He hit a telephone pole on the driver's front corner at almost 70 mph and flipped it twice. He opened up the door and walked away with nothing more than a small scratch and a small bruise. THIS VEHICLE COULD EASILY SAVE YOUR LIFE.

I highly recommend it. The mechanic who will be fixing my Volvo soon said that when he inspected it, that it was in "amazing shape", and thinks I should happily own it for many many more years to come.