1996 Volvo 850 T5 Estate 2.3 turbo

Summary:

It's boxy, but it's good

Faults:

The reversing light switch on the gearbox was faulty and needed replacing, the part was about £20.

All the window washer jets and T-pieces were blocked and needed cleaning out/replacing. T-piece under bonnet is notorious for blocking up apparently.

It absolutely eats front tyres. I reckon I'm going to get approx. 5-7000 miles out of this pair (bought new, Pirelli P6000).

Clutch makes a loud groaning noise when pulling from standstill. Works fine, but is noisy.

The door-holding-open thingy was banging, so I overtightened it and snapped the studs (whoops!). Dealer sorted it on service, not expensive.

General Comments:

Very very fast indeed (for a family box). Surprised a number of boy-racers.

Prone to wheelspin (no traction control on mine).

Good speakers as standard.

Comfort excellent (be even better if I had air-con : (Seats adjustable in all known directions, so is steering wheel.

Huge space inside vehicle for carrying fridges, wardrobes, anything really. Front passenger seat folds forward to allow long objects in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2002

1996 Volvo 850 T5 GLT Estate 2.3 turbo

Summary:

Remarkable to own new and a real secondhand bargain if you find a good one

Faults:

Top engine mount needed replacement at 80,000 miles.

No repairs or replacements other than service items and bulbs and tyres.

General Comments:

Outstanding value for money.

Used every day for 5 years without needing a new exhaust or clutch.

Fast with comfort and strong build quality.

Sold for 25% of purchase price after 5 years and 133,000 miles.

Replaced with a V70 R AWD.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2002

1996 Volvo 850 CD Estate 2.5 petrol

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

This is the 5th Volvo Estate I have had. All have been previously owned. The highest mileage I had before moving on was in a 740 auto estate which had 225,000 miles and was still running OK!

The 850 is the best Volvo I have owned and quite different from its predecessors. At last a Volvo that doesn't need training wheels in order to go round corners. Engine sounds great and it has every creature comfort you can think of.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th December, 1998

29th Jan 2009, 16:35

I've had my 850CD for 12 years since new. It's handled everything thrown at it including 2 growing kids and 2 dogs. It's cavernous for luggage and the only items replaced in 12 yrs and 103,000 miles are battery (2) brake pads, wiper blades (after 6 yrs!) and a sidelight bulb.

I've every intention of using another 103k on the clock rather than spend good money on another new-status car and get a bad purchase. Volvo got it right with this model. Very happy!

1996 Volvo 850 SE Auto Estate 2.5 10v petrol

Faults:

Horn failed (repaired under warranty).

Knocking from front suspension - twice repaired under warranty.

Eats front tyres - outside edge of n/s particularly vulnerable due to very tight turning circle.

General Comments:

A great car. Comfortable, refined, spacious, safe and fun if you want it to be!! The dealers in Chesterfield have been marvellous both when buying the vehicle and for after sales.

Despite the jokes, another Volvo will be high on the list when replacement is due.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998