1997 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon review from North America
"Buy a Subaru Outback"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced cracked engine oil pan.
Replaced rear shocks, front & rear brakes.
Re-welded poorly designed driver's side front door hinge.
Replaced tie rods.
Complete replacement of air conditioning system.
Replaced rear main engine oil seal.
Replaced rear shocks again.
Replaced bad front struts.
Replace left & right front axles.
Replace failed fuel pump.
Replace failed rear hatch door lifters.
Repair rattling rear door panel attachment.
Replace timing belt (twice).
Replace failed heater blower motor.
Struggle with terrible AM radio static problem (still not resolved).
Turbo oil leak.
General comments?
Very comfortable driving car, fine road handling. A real money pit, however. Six years of ownership have cost over $18,000 in maintenance.
The AM radio static problem is a disaster. Have installed ground loop remedy for antenna, also alternator noise suppressor... neither have solved the problem.
This model, according to my auto mechanic becomes very expensive to maintain after five years. This is substantiated by complete maintenance records of former owner. Every invoice for regular maintenance from Volvo dealer is at least $700, often over $1,000. I have owned five or six Volvos, am now a committed Subaru owner.
Recommended reviews
| Love is complicated |
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| A comfortable luxury car with high costs |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 93000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 165000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 20th August, 2009 |