1996 Volvo 850 GLT Sedan review from North America

Previous owner's records indicate electronic issues with the transmission and brake calipers, and that the car was maintained regularly until I bought it for $1,600.

The alarm does not engage.

The remote does not work. This is likely a problem with the car.

The AC does not work. The car holds a charge, but the compressor disengages after a few minutes.

The climate control is inconsistent and quirky, occasionally fails completely.

The driver's side power seat does not move forward/back, and the back rest does not recline up or down. The seat is stuck all the way back and the recline is also stuck, and cannot be forced by hand to new positions. I can deal with it because I'm tall, but other people have trouble driving it as a result.

The power antenna was broken. I bought a new antenna/mast for $17 and installed it myself in 20 minutes (the plastic piece that hoists the antenna up had broken off inside the motor).

The ABS light is on, and the ABS/traction does not work except when it is very humid out. This caused the speedometer to occasionally fail as well. I removed the unit and sent it to one of the many services that repairs them.

The front left brake caliper seized the same day I bought it, and cost $120 to replace.

The brakes vibrate very badly (a problem noted in the P.O.'s records at 100k as well). I should have replaced the brake shims, but the problem went away on it's own after a few thousand miles.

At 165k the welds on the driver's side door hinge broke and the door made a loud cracking sound when moved. I do not know if it was a critical repair, but it cost $400 to have a professional mechanic and welder repair it.

This is a high maintenance luxury car. The drivetrain is solid, but there are many noncritical issues to be had. The car's large size and weight results in poor mileage, but the more substantial construction is appealing and improves safety over more conventional choices.

Without a turbo, this car is very slow. I get 20 city and 26 highway. Handling is acceptable but the car is fairly heavy.

The sport/economy modes on the slushbox help a little bit with city driving (upshifting sooner for more power), and winter mode is supposed to make the auto drive better on the snow.

The (original) transmission shifts very well, and the automatic is smart and relaxed.

The interior is in extremely good condition for such an old car, the high quality grey leather is hardly worn at all (especially given the high mileage) and looked almost new with some basic conditioning.

The driving position is very comfortable and high up, it's a good car if you're tall.