1997 Volvo 850 SE 2.4 5 cylinder from North America
Summary:
Dependable and well made
Faults:
Abs system was faulty, but the dealer fixed it in under one day with no charge.
Spark plugs needed changing. Minor problem.
General Comments:
Handles well. My old 240 wagon had enough power with 4 cylinders, so of course this one has enough power with 5, and even a little extra.
Volvo is much safer than the rest of the "tin cans" you see on the road today. This is one car you feel really safe in. Good solid doors. Anything bumps into my 850 SE, they've had it.
Seats very comfortable. The back seats in my old 240 were extremely uncomfortable, due to the curving of the wheel well.
Looks really sharp with the alloy wheels, spoiler at the back, and leather interior. Picks up all the chicks.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th May, 2004
11th Feb 2006, 18:16
That sounds a little pricey for almost 200K miles, but depends on the condition of the car. I'm looking for an 850 in the similar price range and hope to find one with ~ 100K miles. Again, for my 16 and 17 yr old daughters. Safety is priority one.
24th Mar 2006, 16:23
Yes, check your blue book.
26th Nov 2006, 21:19
I just bought a 1997 850 volvo with 96,000 miles for $7,500 from a used Volvo dealership. People told me that $7,500 was a lot for a car with that amount of miles, but it came with a 90 day bumper to bumper warranty and 1 year power train warranty. It's a safe, dependable and sharp looking car. I love it so far.
31st Jul 2007, 15:02
Yikes, that price is very steep for an 850 with 183k miles. Trust me, I had a used car dealership so I know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't give more than $2,500 for it if I were you. They are very good cars. Definitely buy one! Just not one with so many miles for such a high price. I've seen many 850's with 60k-100k miles on Ebay sell for $4,000-$6,000. That guy is definitely asking WAY too much.
3rd Dec 2008, 17:45
I am looking at 850s right now and the best prices are on craigslist.org in the bigger cities. You could find a Volvo 850 with under 150,000 miles for under $3,500.
29th Oct 2005, 09:09
These reviews have been useful.
I am about to purchase a 1997 Volvo 850 with 183,000 miles on it for $4785.00. I plan to have it evaluated by a Volvo mechanic before I commit. Am I crazy to spend this much on such a "mature" car?
The car is for my 17 year old son to drive. I want safety first, reliability a close second.
I have owned new Volvo's for years, and have loved them. My sister is driving my 1998 Volvo 240 station wagon with over 250,000 miles on it. I am currently driving a 70 Station wagon, which I love.
What can I hope for in the 1997 850 Volvo with 183,000 miles on it?