1994 Volvo 850 Turbo review from North America

Replaced struts and sturt mounts twice

Replaced brake pads and rotors many times

Both O2 sensors

Radiator + hoses

Blew head gasket, replaced engine.

I really love this car. Although my experience makes me want to hate it. Bought it for $4500, and I have spent more than double that in repairs. Some repairs were my fault. I drive fast in a city with bumpy roads, so I have damaged my struts too many times. I also hardly every maintain the car, other than oil changes every 2000 miles. So much has happened to this car, I can't even remember. But I do love it. it is very safe and sturdy, I feel like I'm driving a tank, almost got into two wrecks and every time I hit the brakes and swerved I could feel the power in the body of the car. Blew a tire going 70mph on the highway and barely felt it. Overall it is a very good sturdy and powerful car, especially if it's a turbo. However it is in some ways tender and sophisticated. It takes a lot of taking care of, a lot of regular maintenance, and a good savings account incase of disaster (ie. engine blowing and $3000 replacement). Now remember, I blame most of the damage on myself and on mechanics who did not teach me the way to treat my car. I was reckless and the car still treats me well. She is on her last breath though, engine is knocking, misfiring sometimes. Check engine light has been on for over a year. Struts are dead, breaks squeak and there is some minor body damage. Odometer stopped over a year ago at 154000, I'm sure I'm passed 170000 on the car today, replaced engine has over 120000 on it. I guess my advice is, buy it, but treat it right, and find a good volvo guy. Perfect for youngsters, college students and such, you get size, speed, luxury, and safety so mommy can sleep at night.

I am considering buying another 850 next. But sometimes I think maybe I should buy a toyota or ford just for the easy and cheap repairs. But it will be a GREAT downgrade from the beauty I drive today.