1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.3, Inline 5 Cylinder from North America
Summary:
Safe, very safe, and fast. Buy it!
Faults:
We bought the car from people who never took it into the shop for it's regular maintanance, but it didn't have too any problems so we got it anyway.
We had to replace a windshield damaged by a hail storm.
Transmission selector switch messes up from time to time.
Windshield washer pipes clogged up.
General Comments:
Great car. Very reliable. It's my first car. Extremely safe. My friend had the same models. One day, he took a corner too fast and ran into a truck going around 50 MPH. The only injury sustained was a minor burn on the passenger's face from the airbag. He currenently owns a 1998 S70. Dual airbags on the dash, and one on each of the doors.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th March, 2004
19th Nov 2011, 01:13
Hey there, original reviewer here. Thought I'd update.
This car is temporarily being given to my brother until he finishes school, because I purchased a low mile '98 Volvo S70 GLT.
Things gone wrong since original review was written:
- Rear main seal replaced at around 112,000 (common problem).
- Odometer gear failed around 112,000 (also common).
- Developed stalling problems around 115,000 due to mass airflow sensor failure, ~$300 fix.
- Climate control head unit failed, salvage part replacement $75.
- PCV system currently needs replacing. Burning oil very slowly.
- And the biggy, recently the dreaded signs of head gasket failure have made themselves known. Pressure buildup in the coolant system caused a massive leak (tank needed refilling every eight days). I rigged a fix for the leak (again, caused by pressure, not a failure in the hose), so the leak is much slower. However the exhaust smell is unmistakably sweet.
This car has gotten me through a lot, and I'm understandably attached to it, so after my brother saves up for his own car for college, I'm going to turn my 850 into a project car. I still love my little Volvo, and I still think that if you can find a relatively low mile one that's been properly cared for, they're definitely worth buying.
24th Jun 2004, 10:40
I also think this a very great car. I bought mine when it had 100,000 miles on it and I drive and average of 15,000 miles a year. The only things I have had to replace are the brakes and the front rotors. The O2 sensors are the only set back as they are always read as malfunctioning. Generally a great powerful car.