Faults:

Reversing light switch can play up.

Drivers door check strap is noisy, but works fine.

Clutch is on its way out.

General Comments:

Now cheap to buy

Cheap on insurance due to the standard security features

Don't believe what you hear, fuel consumption is great, half of what a BMW 325i uses

Torque is never ending it pulls like a train

Very quiet inside and comfy loads of room.

Heated seats, need I say more?

Stereo is great

Love the wolf in sheep's clothing part it plays.

Only people in the know raise eyebrows when you say "I've got a Volvo T5"

Dont be put off if youve never had one, parts are not expensive, running costs are low apart from front tyres, but just rotate them every 3 months or so,and make sure you regularily change engine and gearbox oil.

You will love the car, just test drive one, i was hooked.

A great car.

Faults:

Oxygen sensor needed replacement.

Engine mount needed replacement.

Rear power windows didn't work.

Driver's seat heater didn't work.

Glove box latch needed replacement.

Spoiler faded and needed to be painted.

General Comments:

Overall, this car has been very reliable.

The power from the turbo engine is great and it seems effortless.

The automatic transmission works great with the 3 selectable modes (economy, sport, winter).

Trunk is very large, but rear passenger leg room could be better.

The leather seats are very comfortable.

The Premium Sound stereo sounds great.

Paint is still very glossy after almost 8 years (even though plastic spoiler faded).

Faults:

Developed severe ECU problems at 60000 miles, resulting in the vehicle losing power randomly - this made the vehicle both infuriating and unfit to drive. Much money was spent on rectifying his problem.

Only months later, the gearbox developed faults and would not engage reverse gear when starting from cold. Due to the design of the 850, the gearbox would have to be removed completely to gain sufficient access to repair this.

The final straw was when another electrical fault developed. This one again occurred randomly and stopped the warning lights and starter motor activating upon turning the key. However, after ten minutes of waiting, things would start working again.

General Comments:

The Volvo 850 is a delightful, fast and very comfortable car. In the right colour it looks brilliant, and the interior still looks and feels very good. It's also incredibly safe for a car of it's age as well.

Providing the 850 remains reliable, it makes a very good car. However, if you are unfortunate enough to end up with all the problems mine had, it becomes an absolute (and very expensive) swine.