1995 Volvo 850 Turbo 2.3L turbo

Summary:

Best car for the money

Faults:

Ball joints went bad.

Axles boots broke.

Seats wearing.

General Comments:

I love the car.

It's comfortable and has a lot of get up and go.

The car does have high miles, but I expect it to last much longer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2005

1995 Volvo 850 GLT

Summary:

A great car for an unbelievable price.

Faults:

A little bit of rattling noise has occurred.

A couple of the service lights have come on now and then.

The driver's side heated seat is broken.

General Comments:

Our family loves this car and will drive it until it dies.

It has never broken down or not started.

It is very safe and responsive.

It is very roomy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2004

1995 Volvo 850 Wagen turbo

Summary:

Worth the price of admission and ownership

Faults:

Rain gutter molding replaced prior to purchase.

Wagon tailgate shim kit prior to purchase.

Rear rotors badly warped, replaced with new rotors prior to purchase.

Front rotors turned after purchase on warranty.

Drivers side wiper arm replaced after purchase on warranty.

Exhaust tip replace prior to purchase due to rust.

ABS light comes on for no reason. ABS computer replaced on warranty to no avail. Volvo Tech consulted and subsequent fix to be done by "Volvo Finders" next week (warranty dealer/seller).

General Comments:

"Volvo Finders" is taking care of all the used car items specific to this model.

I'm able to get away with Unleaded Regular without pinging or engine damage though with some presumed and accepted performance loss.

Being a 9 year old wagon with a sunroof it has some creaks and groans a sedan might not have.

Starts, stops, accelerates with aplomb and has very comfortable 3 way memory seats.

I like being able to haul "stuff" as well as "ass" with this uniquely, but adequately styled car. Sure, some design traits are archaic (console mounted mirror and window controls plus stupid cup-holder.

However...I liked them in the mid 90's and I still like 'em now, especially since I own one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th August, 2004

3rd Mar 2005, 18:59

Hi there.

You mentioned a shim kit for the tailgate. I can't find one online. Can you give me an idea of where to look?

Thanks,

Mike.

15th Apr 2005, 12:16

Hi There, You can find one on eBay. I just did.

1995 Volvo 850 Turbo 2.3 turbo

Summary:

A family sedan delivering sporty performance and handling that's expensive to fix

Faults:

Air conditioning repaired at 77,000 Kilometers (under warranty)

Transmission replaced at 95,000 Kilometers.

Replaced front rotors and calipers at 140,000 kilometers. Breaks went quickly with little warning.

Replaced oygen sensors twice and may need to do it again and engine sensor light stays on.

Ignition key unit broke at 160,000 kilometers and I must keep the key in the ignition at all times as it is too costly to repair.

Air conditioning failed at 165,000 kilometers.

Coolant leak under overflow tank which is annoying and no one seems to be able to fix.

General Comments:

I've had a love/hate relationship with this car. Loved it when I bought it, but grew to hate the costs of repair when car went out of warranty.

Very expensive to repair.

The seats are outstanding and car is very comfortable and faily quiet to drive. It has a very solid feel to it.

Handling is very good (especially with good performance tires).

The engine is outstanding delivering good performance and reasonably good gas mileage considering the size and weight of the car.

Very quick although there is more of a noticeable turbo lag as the car gets older. This may be corrected if I replace the oxygen sensors which I can't afford to do right now.

The switches which control the windows and mirrors are located under the cup holders and will work intermittently when liquid is spilled on them. Once they dry out everything seems to work normally.

All the back seats can be folded down which allow long items to be stored in the trunk. This has been very useful on a number of occasions.

Replacement of all light bulbs is very easy.

Overall, even give the problems I've had this car is provides an enjoyable driving experience knowing the performance and handling is there if you need it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd July, 2004

5th Jun 2005, 21:27

Well I'm sure he used this car a lot. The problems he faced are probably due to not servicing his vehicle at the appropriate time. I do agree with the fact that it is expensive to maintain after +150,000 miles, but you must keep in mind the amount driven and age of this car. I have an 850 with over 225,000km and it still runs with none of the problems that he mentioned.

All in all it's a GREAT family car and very durable.

Drive safe!

11th Feb 2006, 13:19

You guys are confusing miles with km (1 miles=1.6 km). His tranny failed at 59,000 miles. That's hardly a good performance.