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...
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!
I just made a comment on my 760GLE We own 5 volvos in our
family.
I have an 850turbo 1994 wagon. I put a comp update in it,
and have no real problems with it. 103,000 plus or minus.
It is a rocket! Read 1994 Car and Driver review of this
car (March 1994) Our 1989 240GL has 140,000 miles on it.
Most recent Volvo: 2002V70XC. My daughter drives a 1996 850.
My oldestdaughter drives a 860 2002 If you are a heavy foot
driver things can go wrong, but with proper care these cars
can last and last.
Upon reading this review I find that reviewer is not able to fairly appraise his vehicle - perhaps he got a lemon, or perhaps he is not being realistic about a car that has almost a quarter of a million kilometres on the Clock.
I can cite many, many positive stories regarding the 850 lasting very well with proper care and maintenance.
It is unfortunate to hear of all your problems with the car. We have been driving one for nearly 8 years now and it's still running great. I must admit that the cream coloured leather on the 850 can look worn quickly, but in our case it's black leather and I don't think that you could find a '95 model car who's leather still looks this great!
I just got the 850 GLT, and it feels like a great car, and with 2.5 20V engine it is not the most powerfull car out there, but it shure ain`t fat chick on rollers. the car goes great, it has some ABS problems, and 1/3 cockpit lights have died, but otherwise this car runs smooth, and the sound of the 5 clynder block is really something that gets smile on my face. I think the best would be that you buy for yourself dacia, and after a year of that, switch it back to volvo. I must say that volvo for me is synonym of really comfort ride. it is boxy inside, but I love it way more than the design of mercedes or bmw.
We have a '95 850 with Turbo, and it sends one back into the seats. It has held up entirely well, has an enduring style, and has been economical to maintain. And, I suspect it will be on the road performing years and miles after it's competitor vehicles have been laid to rest.
The author is not realistic about this. I own 850 T5-R estate, witch is equipped better than regular T5. It has 465000 kilometers on the clock and it works perfectly fine with only regularly wear. Well, I count the clutch change (2 times, at 205.000km and at 399000km) as a regular maintenance with so many kilometers on the clock. Never had to replace an O2 sensor, or anything else, witch is supposable ½common bake-down½. Everything still works fine after 10 years of ownership! I can only say: too bad they don't work these babies anymore!!!
I have a 1996 VOLVO 850 GLT 2,5 20V Estate model. The only trouble I had - clutch repalcement after 340000kms. And the factory alarm system is faulty, I was forced to deliver the car to the dealer as only he can "grab the code". Else, the car is really great and mainly has no faults. Now it has 350 000 kms on the clock, the cambelt was repalaced at 315000kms. As I drive Volvo cars and trucks since 1990, I think it's really good choice. My previous Volvo's where 245 diesel, 740 2,3litre petrol, 760 turbo diesel, 940 petrol and now 850. As for me, the 245 was the best.
I have a 95 Volvo 850 GLT and I LOVE IT. The only problem that I had with it was the radiator cracked, but that was at 170,000 miles. Rattles a little bit, but it has a solid ride.
The interior is holding up for a 14 year old car (owned it the whole time), just some minor fades in the carpet, nothing out of the ordinary. I would recommend the 850 to anyone. Oh and I forgot to add that I get 32 mpg religiously!
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