1995 Volvo 850 GLT Wagon review from South Africa
"A disgraceful scuttle-bucket!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
ABS lamp comes on intermittently, dealer charges me for a half hour's labour to read out the fault codes (took 3 minutes), and proudly tells me that the ABS control unit is shot, and that it's a common problem with these cars. For R4000 (about $400) I can buy the unit and fit it myself.
SRS (Airbag) warning lamp comes on intermittently, haven't had it diagnosed yet.
Drivers door brake broke (another known problem with these quality cars).
The ventilation fan has an imbalance, and whines to the point that you cannot use it.
The leather on the steering wheel and seats has worn badly - Volvo should buy their leather from BMW!
Thermostat failed, coolant bottle cracked.
Tailgate inner trim panel broke loose.
Can't remember the other stuff - my therapist says its better to forget...
General comments?
This car is a lump of crud - it is under-powered, handles like a fat chick on roller skates, and is no better quality than a Dacia. The only tool one should use when working on this car is a blow-torch!
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| Far better quality, reliability and sophistication than most newer American vehicles |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 2 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 228000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 241000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 5 Series |
| Date of Entry | 13th November, 2002 |