1995 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon review from North America

Replaced:

Transmission synchros failed

Replaced transmission ($400 salvage) with new clutch kit as well.

Fuel pump went, on vacation 300 miles away (of course) ($700).

Wheel bearing needed replacement.

Needs:

Rear wiper & fluid do not work.

Ball joint/front axle?

Common problems for this model:

A/C does not work (it's a Volvo...)

Back of driver side power seat cable slipped out (easy fix)

Rear hatch shocks wore out (easy fix)

Rear hatch molding rattled loudly (two screws fixed that - DON'T waste $$ on a repair kit)

Cheap to buy. Expensive to maintain. Worth every penny.

Inline 5-cyl provides a good compromise of power & gas mileage (25mpg avg)

Handles great - surprising turning radius.

This car is a blast to drive! Manual transmission makes it fun, even being a wagon. All you soccer moms out there are sooo jealous. I know it.

I'm 6'4'', and it has more than enough room. Bucket seats incredibly comfortable (and heated!). Back seats fold flat in order to make a huge cargo area.

One thing I have to say is that this is an incredibly well designed car engine & interior. Changing a headlight took me under two minutes. Swapping the radio took me about 20 minutes. These things have taken me hours on past cars, due to poor layout etc.

My only complaint is that parts are beyond expensive, unless you go salvage - easy to find!