Faults:

Lots of wear and tear items, but no major issues and I put serious miles on this car in the 10 years I had it.

Camshaft sensor caused a bit of a headache at one time, but that was about it. If I am being really picky, the 850 did not feel as solidly built as my old 740.

General Comments:

Loved it, good memories of this 850, was a nicely equipped car with all the electrics the SE model had to offer.

Loved the boxy saloon look, sharp looking car in red with alloy wheels.

2.5 performed OK with the auto box, and did around 30 mpg, good at the time.

Only thing better would have been the T5 R model! I miss this car, was a reliable mile muncher. Sold it back in 2008 still going strong.

Faults:

Both front lower ball joints.

Right front outer tie rod ends.

Both front outer CV boots.

Both front sway bar links.

Replaced all brake discs and brake pads.

Heater motor.

Left front flex brake hose failure.

Left rear suspension bushing.

Fuel pump.

Turbo boost flex hose.

Both coolant hoses.

General Comments:

Most of the above repairs were completed by myself at purchase, and the left front outer CV boot at 325,000 km.

The exhaust system, O2 sensors, engine, turbo, wheel bearings, shocks/struts, radiator, transmission, alternator, A/C system, all wiper motors have never been replaced and are original. Exceptional quality and performance.

I get 500 km to 900 km per tank on regular gas, depending on the time of year. I have done most of the repairs myself and have found parts reasonably priced. As normal maintenance, I have replaced the timing belt, tensioner, water pump and serpentine belt at 320,000 km. I also flushed the cooling system at the same time.

The leather heated front seats are extremely comfortable.

Faults:

ABS computer needed replacement when I bought it.

Alternator needed replacement when I bought it.

Plugs, wires, cap and rotor right after I bought it.

Replaced knock sensors, starter and PCV system at 155k.

Replaced many vacuum lines over the course of having the car.

Both CV axles at around 160k.

Odometer gear at 164k (retrieved the actual mileage from the car's computer).

General Comments:

The car was fast. Really fast. Especially after the ECU was remapped to allow more boost. I was getting 0-60 times close to 6 seconds.

The braking and handling performance was phenomenal. The car felt very secure.

Had both front and side impact airbags. Good IIHS frontal moderate offset rating.

I'd buy it again, but a wagon. The only real issue was that parts were expensive, and every screw in the thing was some variant of a Torx bit.

Faults:

CV joints replaced - didn't notice a split boot, and it ran out of grease.

Transmission fluid replaced to give smoother shifting.

Catalytic converter noisy, due for replacement.

Flat spot on acceleration - cleaned throttle body and it now runs great!

Leather seats neglected by previous owner, slightly cracked and worn, but still great support and comfort.

Dashboard adhesive is coming loose, making the dashpad around the passenger airbag all warped.

General Comments:

I bought this car in October 2010 for $1800 with 190,000kms on it, with full service history.

It is without a doubt the most comfortable car I have ever driven; my housemate says it is "effortless" to drive.

Installed cruise control and the factory CD radio - all plug and play, as well as the digital trip computer option.

The engine needs to be pushed to have a spirited drive, but that comes at the cost of economy, if pushed the economy is woeful. Luckily the car's ease of driving almost encourages you to drive calmly, enjoying it's relaxed, quiet and compliant ride.

At speed and on the twisty roads, the handling is excellent, especially for a front wheel drive estate.

Has one of the best turning circles I have ever experienced, making it really easy.

Volvo spent a lot of time researching the ergonomics of this vehicle and it shows; everything falls easily to hand.

My one negative seems to be typical of every estate vehicle I have ever owned... the tailgate trim rattles, even with the new clips installed to try and rectify this.

Luckily the excellent sound system (8 speaker premium sound) easily drowns this out.

There are some great forums for DIY repair, which has saved me a lot of money by fixing issues myself.