1996 Volvo 850 review from UK and Ireland

Power steering leaks, not bad enough to change the unit.

Drivers door clicked loudly when opened and closed, dealer fixed and a common fault.

Glove compartment lock failed costing £100 to repair. Can only break them open.

Minor electrical faults in the car alarm.

Front anti roll bar snapped.

Front wheel CV joint boots failed at 250000 miles.

This car has done 270000 miles mainly dealer serviced. The oil level hardly drops between service intervals of 10000 miles. I guess the engine is good for 500000 miles plus, what a machine.

I travel 600 to 1000 miles a week in this car, fuel economy rivals a Nissan Micra if driven at the same speed along the motorway.

Extremely comfortable, last month I drove from Inverness to Swansea and then on to Ipswich only stopping for fuel and food. A distance of 1000 miles in one go. Automatic gearbox and cruise control make the car a pleasure to drive.

Strong and safe, avoiding some dolt overtaking, have had two vehicles crash into the rear of the car in a multiple pile up. The middle car, a Citreon was a write off, the other car, a BMW had to be towed away on a truck with £1000's of damage. My Volvo required just a new rear bumper. Brakes are superb, like throwing out a sea anchor.

Always starts first time, however does have a turbo lag.

Tyre wear acceptable, V rated, approx 12000 to 15000 on the front.