1994 Volvo 850 GLT review from UK and Ireland

The original elderly battery was weak and under performing. As the car is parked outside and faced with a Scottish winter, it was the first major cost, but the peace of mind the new battery brought was worth it.

The tatty tyres the car came with were legal, but were mismatched different brands & tread patterns, so I invested in a smart set of budget tyres. They look good, and I feel safer.

A leaking radiator expansion bottle cap was replaced.

A service and a tune up I think would improve performance and fuel consumption, which I'll have done prior to the next MoT end of May.

My previous Volvo was a 740 saloon, which gave me 6 years of superb service. Rust in load bearing areas, sealed its fate, so I had it scrapped, using the back to manufacturer deal, available to us in the U.K. at no charge.

My present maroon 850 is a 2 owner, 1994 model, with some service history. After a good wash & scrub down, inside & out, it looks great. Some minor scuffs & scratches will polish out.

I find the car comfortable to drive, and for a large vehicle, it's easy to manoeuver in traffic and parking areas.

I like the glass electric sun-roof, which gives the cabin a light & airy feeling, even when closed. Heated door mirrors make light work of frost & condensation.

Rear folding seats, and a low boot sill, make carrying large boxes etc a doddle.

I enjoy the extra safety, day light running head lights bring. You can always see a Volvo coming.

The sound system, 90's style radio & cassette set-up are good quality, and I've hooked it up to a CD adaptor, so get the best of both worlds.

If all goes well, I'll keep my red Swedish panzer for quite a few years. Not many of them are still around, especially in good condition. It's a cliche, but I'm driving a real head turner, worth more to me, than any number of Euro-Japanese jelly moulds on wheels, in a similar price range.