1994 Volvo 850 Turbo from North America - Comments

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.

Avoid the older Turbo models of ANY car. The engines run hotter and are under more stress. 100,000 miles is about it for a turbo. After that look for a nice, NON-turbo.

Why did you keep on treating it bad after spending $3000 on a new engine?

That would be enough to wake me up and start looking after the car.

Avoid the older turbo models on any car, they are only good for 100k???

What total rubbish, just pop onto the Volvo owners club website or search Ebay! You will see many, many old turbo charged volvo's with 150k plus, no problems.

If you buy a big turbo car, or any performance car, you can expect high fuel consumption and higher repair bills, but if maintained (like most modern cars) they are good for 150k plus.