Faults:

The interior plastic trim/panels squeaks a bit, but I haven't really tried to fix them. I hear that is typically broken fasteners, which is easy enough.

The rear hatch on these 850 wagons is a known rattle trap problem, and mine is no exception. The metal thing that the hatch latches onto can break. Mine has not. But the 'claw' (clasp) on the hatch itself wiggles and rattles. I'm sure there is a fix, but I haven't bothered to find it yet.

Other than that, this 1994 850 Turbo wagon has zero problems, even though it has a staggering 171,000 miles and is about 31,000 miles past due on its timing belt change (you should change them every 70,000 miles).

I do have a small brake fluid leak near my right front wheel, and the electric window switches need to be sprayed with electronic cleaner from time to time, but honestly... in the year that I have had this car and driven over 6,000 miles, I have had zero problems.

General Comments:

My 1994 Turbo Wagon is fast as heck. Fastest car I have ever owned. And the driver's seat is soooooo comfortable I cannot even describe how great it feels. I've rode in a couple of Lexus SC 400s and they were not nearly as comfortable as my Volvo 850. Not even close. Seriously. I can't speak for the Lexus LS models, but that should at least tell you something about the wonderful seats in the Volvo (although the head rest is curiously hard and uncomfortable, but you get used to it).

The car is rock solid and feels very safe. I can't say that mine is quiet, but it has 170,000 miles on it so of course there will be some rattles if they are not attended to.

But, all in all, I would definitely recommend test driving a few of these, and that's the KEY. I looked at about 15 identical Volvo 850 wagons and test drove about 5 of them. Not all are well cared for, and if you shop around you will know which are losers and which are winners. Mine was a winner and I love it. After a full year of ownership and 6,000 miles of driving, I have not put a dime into the car. I love it.

Faults:

1. Can't put into gear unless the button on the console is pressed all the time to put into Drive.

2. Seat motor one switch does nothing.

3. AC light never goes on.

4. Makes me miss my jaguar.

General Comments:

Was OK for the price.

Faults:

The original elderly battery was weak and under performing. As the car is parked outside and faced with a Scottish winter, it was the first major cost, but the peace of mind the new battery brought was worth it.

The tatty tyres the car came with were legal, but were mismatched different brands & tread patterns, so I invested in a smart set of budget tyres. They look good, and I feel safer.

A leaking radiator expansion bottle cap was replaced.

A service and a tune up I think would improve performance and fuel consumption, which I'll have done prior to the next MoT end of May.

General Comments:

My previous Volvo was a 740 saloon, which gave me 6 years of superb service. Rust in load bearing areas, sealed its fate, so I had it scrapped, using the back to manufacturer deal, available to us in the U.K. at no charge.

My present maroon 850 is a 2 owner, 1994 model, with some service history. After a good wash & scrub down, inside & out, it looks great. Some minor scuffs & scratches will polish out.

I find the car comfortable to drive, and for a large vehicle, it's easy to manoeuver in traffic and parking areas.

I like the glass electric sun-roof, which gives the cabin a light & airy feeling, even when closed. Heated door mirrors make light work of frost & condensation.

Rear folding seats, and a low boot sill, make carrying large boxes etc a doddle.

I enjoy the extra safety, day light running head lights bring. You can always see a Volvo coming.

The sound system, 90's style radio & cassette set-up are good quality, and I've hooked it up to a CD adaptor, so get the best of both worlds.

If all goes well, I'll keep my red Swedish panzer for quite a few years. Not many of them are still around, especially in good condition. It's a cliche, but I'm driving a real head turner, worth more to me, than any number of Euro-Japanese jelly moulds on wheels, in a similar price range.