Faults:
Have had to replace:
The radiator, as this was banana shaped at top and bottom.
Clean a blocked breather system as this has caused the engine to blow a seal resulting in an oil leak.
Replace a jammed electric aerial.
Replace the anti-rollbar bushes.
General Comments:
Ever since the Volvo 850 was launched back in the 90's I had to have one. The only problem was that I was only 12!
After selling my 1989 Volvo 760 Turbo Saloon (which was absolutely awesome) I really wanted to get my hands on another Volvo. However this time I wanted something which could handle the power in the twisty bits.
I have owned my 854 for almost a year now and although its now approaching 14 years old with 132k miles on the clock, it still feels sharp and poised.
Although I am only 24 and am constantly ribbed for owning a Volvo, I absolutelty love it. It is rapid (even with 5 people and a boot full of luggage), comfortable (i have not yet been in anything as comfortable as a Volvo hence why I won't buy a Merc or a Beema) and I feel completely safe in it.
My mother loved driving my 850 so much that she has replaced her woefully unreliable 1999 Vauxhall Astra with a 2001 Volvo S60 2.0T Sport!!
The only drawback I can think of is the economy, or there-lack-of. Around town it returns about 25MPG which is the majority of my driving. On a run MPG is much improved. With the tall gearing I can typically return 35MPG which is better, but when you're spending £70 to fill the tank you kinda want I bit more for your bucks.
Unfortunately some moron decided to break into my car last week smashing my driver's window and ripping my glovebow door off its hinges, so I'm now forced to replace it. It has made the car feel tainted so it has to go. Cue the Vovlo C70 T5 GT which I shall be picking up at the end of next month... I can't wait!
19th Apr 2007, 08:29
Great review, I am also 24 and live in the UK. My current cars include a Volvo S70 2.5 (full spec), a facelift 960 3.0 Estate and partners facelift V40 - as well as my project 1970 144!!! These cars are great - I have just taken the S70 for a 2000 mile trip up around the Highlands of Scotland from the south coast in a week and the car behaved faultlessly - even with 130,000 miles on the clock. These are great, nothing beats them for comfort or safety and the overall packages of Volvos are fantastic value for money. Sod the image, I know that I am in the better car!!!