Faults:

The original elderly battery was weak and under performing. As the car is parked outside and faced with a Scottish winter, it was the first major cost, but the peace of mind the new battery brought was worth it.

The tatty tyres the car came with were legal, but were mismatched different brands & tread patterns, so I invested in a smart set of budget tyres. They look good, and I feel safer.

A leaking radiator expansion bottle cap was replaced.

A service and a tune up I think would improve performance and fuel consumption, which I'll have done prior to the next MoT end of May.

General Comments:

My previous Volvo was a 740 saloon, which gave me 6 years of superb service. Rust in load bearing areas, sealed its fate, so I had it scrapped, using the back to manufacturer deal, available to us in the U.K. at no charge.

My present maroon 850 is a 2 owner, 1994 model, with some service history. After a good wash & scrub down, inside & out, it looks great. Some minor scuffs & scratches will polish out.

I find the car comfortable to drive, and for a large vehicle, it's easy to manoeuver in traffic and parking areas.

I like the glass electric sun-roof, which gives the cabin a light & airy feeling, even when closed. Heated door mirrors make light work of frost & condensation.

Rear folding seats, and a low boot sill, make carrying large boxes etc a doddle.

I enjoy the extra safety, day light running head lights bring. You can always see a Volvo coming.

The sound system, 90's style radio & cassette set-up are good quality, and I've hooked it up to a CD adaptor, so get the best of both worlds.

If all goes well, I'll keep my red Swedish panzer for quite a few years. Not many of them are still around, especially in good condition. It's a cliche, but I'm driving a real head turner, worth more to me, than any number of Euro-Japanese jelly moulds on wheels, in a similar price range.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Car purchased as a 'get me by' when I returned to the country.

I find it a bit agricultural and noisy, and it crashes over bumps, and I feel it is nowhere near modern standards. However, I just absolutely love it, and intend to keep it. For some reason I find it very endearing.

It corners well and stops even better. Economy is acceptable at anywhere between 30 and 36 mpg, which is great for such a heavy car. Has never dropped below 30mpg, which is odd as the chap who sold it to me said he only got 22mpg; and yes, I have checked my maths.

Nothing has gone wrong and everything works but I can see a bill for a 1000 coming up at the next MOT, but that will see it good for another 12 to 24 months. Car only cost 995, so that is seriously cheap motoring.

Not very fast, and not that happy above 100mph, which means getting a bit beat up when on the autobahn. But that's fine, it's a cruiser.

Not as much room in back as you may think due to the low roof height.

Expect it to notch up around 250k miles before it's done.

Faults:

Engine temperature sensor replaced.

Drivers heated seat not working.

Tailgate central locking actuator not working.

General Comments:

Despite a few slight problems, this car is fantastic, it handles very well and is reasonably economical.

The general feel and Volvo build quality give you the impression that it will last for many years to come.

In comparison to the newer V70 model (2000 on) I think the 850 is built better.