Faults:

The interior plastic trim/panels squeaks a bit, but I haven't really tried to fix them. I hear that is typically broken fasteners, which is easy enough.

The rear hatch on these 850 wagons is a known rattle trap problem, and mine is no exception. The metal thing that the hatch latches onto can break. Mine has not. But the 'claw' (clasp) on the hatch itself wiggles and rattles. I'm sure there is a fix, but I haven't bothered to find it yet.

Other than that, this 1994 850 Turbo wagon has zero problems, even though it has a staggering 171,000 miles and is about 31,000 miles past due on its timing belt change (you should change them every 70,000 miles).

I do have a small brake fluid leak near my right front wheel, and the electric window switches need to be sprayed with electronic cleaner from time to time, but honestly... in the year that I have had this car and driven over 6,000 miles, I have had zero problems.

General Comments:

My 1994 Turbo Wagon is fast as heck. Fastest car I have ever owned. And the driver's seat is soooooo comfortable I cannot even describe how great it feels. I've rode in a couple of Lexus SC 400s and they were not nearly as comfortable as my Volvo 850. Not even close. Seriously. I can't speak for the Lexus LS models, but that should at least tell you something about the wonderful seats in the Volvo (although the head rest is curiously hard and uncomfortable, but you get used to it).

The car is rock solid and feels very safe. I can't say that mine is quiet, but it has 170,000 miles on it so of course there will be some rattles if they are not attended to.

But, all in all, I would definitely recommend test driving a few of these, and that's the KEY. I looked at about 15 identical Volvo 850 wagons and test drove about 5 of them. Not all are well cared for, and if you shop around you will know which are losers and which are winners. Mine was a winner and I love it. After a full year of ownership and 6,000 miles of driving, I have not put a dime into the car. I love it.

Faults:

1. Can't put into gear unless the button on the console is pressed all the time to put into Drive.

2. Seat motor one switch does nothing.

3. AC light never goes on.

4. Makes me miss my jaguar.

General Comments:

Was OK for the price.

Faults:

This car has had almost no engine or transmission problems since I first got it. It was running rough at first, but if you drive it regularly, it smooths out.

Some problems that I have had were that the trunk solenoid in the lock gave out. The lock wouldn't lock automatically, but it would manually.

The ignition also gave out and had to be ordered from Sweden.

Other than that, all of the maintenance has been regular.

General Comments:

This car has surprised me in many ways. First is the performance. It is not a super fast car, but it is not by any means slow. Much faster than you would expect from a Volvo.

Also, the four speed auto is as smooth as you could expect. You don't even feel the shifts.

The interior is very comfortable with lots of room, if it is a bit boring. It can be a bit noisy at idle though.

The styling is good, but it can be a bit dated. Fuel economy isn't great, best is about 29 on the freeway and 21 in the city.

Overall though, it is a great car, and is just as good or better than the European cars that are being made now.