1995 Volvo 850 SE 2.5 10v

Summary:

Well worth looking at

Faults:

Faulty cam sensor.

Starting and stalling problems.

General Comments:

I recently bought this car and the day I got it a warning sensor came on. I took it back and the dealership determined it was a faulty cam sensor. This was replaced with no problems.

Later the car developed problems starting and stalling. Changing the battery, plugs and cleaning the distributor cap seem to have solved the problem. Despite these problems I've been more than happy with the response from the Volvo dealership. They've been very helpful.

Now the car is running fine and I must say that it's fantastic. The car is comfortable, safe, quick and not as expensive to run as I might have thought. The car is happy cruising along the motorway as well as country lanes. It really is a joy to drive. No wonder the 850 changed the image of Volvos. If it's good enough for the Police, it'll do me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2001

26th May 2022, 17:48

Had one just like it, brilliant cars, 200,000 miles plus was not uncommon.

Interestingly, mine had a camshaft sensor problem too, but I don't think it was a common fault. Besides, this car was otherwise as reliable as you could get at the time.

1995 Volvo 850 GLT 2.5 20v

Summary:

Great performance, comfort and safety

Faults:

Occasionally suffers from a resonating brake problem, shim kit from dealer will fix this.

Front left headlamp wiper motor replaced.

General Comments:

Performance is excellent, always get away from the lights first!

Comfort is second to none.

With regular servicing this car will last forever.

And looks great too. Also have a look at the accessory catalogues from Volvo, there are many options available after purchase. And Volvo dealers are very friendly. But parts can be costly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2001

22nd Mar 2011, 03:42

OK 10 years on and this car is going strong.

It's now hit 220,000 miles and goes like a clock. Irish roads are a little demanding of the drop links, otherwise fine...

1995 Volvo 850 GLT TDI 2.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Quick comfortable car with some problems

Faults:

Fault with a smashed side window security sensor at 8,400 miles.

Fault with door deadlock arming at 9,400 miles.

Clutch bearing replaced at 28,000 miles.

Air conditioning failed at 52,000 miles.

Driver's door stay broke at 56,000 miles.

Front brake caliper seized at 64,000 miles requiring a new caliper and disc.

General Comments:

This was not a cheap car to buy and I have been disappointed by electrical and mechanical unreliability.

Front tire wear is fairly rapid. I don't treat it like a sports car, but the front tires last about 14,000 miles. Those who drive with verve can expect much less tire mileage.

This model has a very marked turbo-lag effect. Acceleration is excellent for a diesel when the turbo cuts in.

Fuel consumption is excellent for such a big, fairly fast car. Average consumption is 36 mpg. On long runs at sustained speeds of 90 mph I have had fuel consumptions as low at 44 mpg.

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

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

1995 Volvo 850 T5 CD Saloon 2.3 20V turbo

Summary:

Get one soon!

Faults:

I bought the car knowing it needed a new clutch for £550, and 2 new tyres Pirelli P Zero for £280.

Only thing to go wrong - a brake light!

General Comments:

This car is the CD model.

Leather, traction, climate, cruise, CD changer... Jesus it is absolutely class!!!

It has had a modification done to the turbo - a "TPiece" fitted, which give the turbo 100% compression all of the time, my car is now pushing out 285BHP!!!

Believe me it is so quick.

I love this car more than my wife!

I only paid £5000, it is a 96 N, with 106,000 on the clock. BARGAIN.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2001

5th May 2001, 04:05

If a T piece can raise the horses to 285, think what adding a chip can also do to it. There is a site where a guy has a 400 bhp 850 T5, looks nice too.

12th May 2002, 14:28

I've got a Manual boost controller (T-piece) on my S40 T4 and if used sensibly it really changes performance to something scary, but you have to be careful not to go to mad or you will fry the engine big time.