25th May 2009, 22:32
I always have a bad feeling about auto gearbox... when there's a problem with it...$3000 is minimum cost to fix or replace it.
Love to own the 850 T5 wagon, but again it's the auto gearbox.
26th May 2009, 11:06
I've been driving for 37 years - I've owned at least 20 vehicles over that time period for both personal & business use, both manuals and automatics - I've never had to replace or repair an automatic transmission, and only once had to replace a manual transmission.
I owned one vehicle with an automatic transmission for 29 years and never had an issue with it.
I do remember my dad having to replace one automatic transmission in one car he owned - it was a 1976 Buick and GM had a lot of bad automatic transmissions at that time - I believe that they had some plastic or nylon parts that failed or some such nonsense.
Still, I would not be afraid to own a vehicle with an automatic transmission. In fact the convenience of an automatic transmission outweighs any negatives - at least when you've been driving for 37 years. :)
10th Jul 2009, 12:32
Hi there,
I'm the one who wrote about the bad feeling on auto gearbox.
Just got my used '95 Volvo 850 T5 wagon & guess what...it's an automatic...hahaha
Can't help myself to own this beauty, hidden beast & damn practical car.
Will do my best to maintain it. Wish me luck guys.
15th Oct 2009, 01:32
Hi all, new baby here for 850 wagon. Loved that car... can any one advise on where the xxxx I can get them? Love it so much!
23rd Aug 2010, 00:07
All I have to say is Volvo 850 turbo (non t5) auto tranny lasts for many smiles.
3rd Oct 2010, 19:10
Hi there, my Malaysian brothers! I am Dennis from the Philippines, and I just couldn't resist sharing my enjoyable moments with my 1996 VOLVO 850 GLE, station wagon (2,4 liter 5 cylinder, non turbo) which I acquired two years ago from the second-hand market. And just a few months ago, with my 1996 VOLVO T5 Estate.
I was already very contented with the 165HP non turbo GLE, as it gave me exhilarating acceleration while negotiating the highways leading to the ILOCOS Province, north of the Philippines. After being stuck with the 1600cc engines from my previous Corollas, Civics and Lancers, the additional horsepower and torque from a bigger and well balanced 5 cylinder engine was a welcome change, not to mention the refined ride, and of course more stable handling. The 500 km trek to the North was not only faster, but more relaxing because of this.
But lo and behold, I am even more thrilled when I recently got the opportunity to get hold of a 1996 T5. With the turbo charging, the power from this model was now up at 225 HP and the acceleration was even more breath taking and exhilarating. I am just now preparing the car for a trip to the North this CHRISTMAS vacation.
Second hand VOLVOs come relatively cheap in the Philippines, because of the extremely high cost of maintenance and repairs, inasmuch as you have to rely on the exclusive local dealer for the periodic maintenance and VERY EXPENSIVE SPARE PARTS. But if you have connections with any one of the two private and very entrepreneurial ex-VOLVO trained mechanics from the local dealership, who have even have access to their inventory of commonly replaced spare parts, then it's ALL SYSTEMS GO for you to buy and become a proud and happy owner of the older, but more popular and reliable VOLVO models.
Meanwhile, I hope you guys out there can give me some advice on any possible upgrades, particularly on the turbo settings etc... HAPPY DRIVING!
10th Mar 2011, 09:28
I have two Volvo 850 wagons.
The first, a 1994 T5 bought 5 years ago, has been an excellent vehicle, with expected repairs as it is getting older.
The main problem being the auto transmission, which is very expensive to replace if it goes. I believe that if the transmission is serviced more frequently, then this won't be an issue; unfortunately I let my service lapse, and paid the price.
Odometer has a small gear that strips, but you can check out a few suppliers from the net (fcpgroton). Buy & replace both gears, and you won't have same problem for long time, and it's much cheaper than replacing the unit at the dealers.
Replace PVC system to prevent engine oil leaks, as this stops a pressure build up in the crankcase.
Use genuine spark plugs, as I have had too many problems with aftermarket brands.
Softer brake pads give longer disc life and are less noisy, but require replacement bit sooner. Good compromise.
This car has been great with comfort, performance, economy and reliability, and I'm very happy with it.
On the other hand, I have a 1996 GLT wagon (owned 1 year) that I bought as an upgrade, but it is a lemon, and I will be getting rid of it as soon as. It has a different 3 ECM setup for trans, fuel & spark, rather than the standard 2 ECM, and is nothing but trouble.
Engine bay wiring caught fire, electrical fire under dash, ECM fault light on, but the nearest dealer (200km) wants $300 to read the codes (my 1994 has code readout under the bonnet).
Paint peeling off, rust coming through all over the place, oil leaks, charging faults, faulty cooling fans, battery flat overnight (often), noisy on the road etc etc.
Suffice to say, I will be sticking with my 1994 T5 as it is more reliable, better to drive, easier to diagnose faults, and a better finished vehicle.
I love my Volvo's, but even great car makers have lemons.
1st Apr 2011, 02:16
Good luck bro... Having the same thought too, it's a Volvo, T5, can go zooOM across continents.. but the autobox makes me wonder.. a lil' eerie. Anyway, all the best bro!
5th Jun 2011, 13:52
The auto trans is very good in all 850s. They go bad because of bad up keep. Change the trans fluid and will last the life of your car. Don't add any snake oil. It will make things worse.
29th Apr 2012, 11:54
I couldn't agree more with the last comment. I have owned a 1996 850 T5 Turbo wagon for the last 9 years, and am still driving the beaut today.
There shouldn't be any serious problems with the tranny if one regularly maintains it with timely oil changes and using the right oil. Only had to replace the auto gear box about 2 years ago after the high oil temp. warning started to blink when driving at long stretch speeds of > 170km/hr (otherwise the temp is OK at normal, sane speeds). Managed to replace it with a used 850 R gear box, and the car runs great since then.
The car has clocked > 250km and engine is still super smooth (have not done any engines repairs to date).
Of course over the years, many parts have been replaced and repaired due to aging, and normal wear and tear.
This is a great family car. Bought it for the 3 S's = Safety, Speed and Space. Got it resprayed about a year ago, and it looks real gorgeous with a double twin exhaust. Only set back today is price of RON 97 petrol in Malaysia. Otherwise it's OK.
Regards,
Miami Dad.
12th Jul 2015, 14:58
Hi sir,
Paolo here, and I'm also from the Philippines. I just bought a Volvo 850 GLE (2nd hand). I just want to ask where do you usually buy parts for your Volvo, and can I also know the details of your trusted mechanic (address and contact number)?
Hope you can help me on this, so that I know where to take my new baby for maintenance.
My number is 09177795415. You can message me anytime regarding my concerns.
Thank you sir!
Regards, Paolo.
22nd Apr 2008, 13:32
I owned Volvo T5 for more than 4 years. Still like it so much. Will send for re-pain my t5 wagon... Volvo For Life!
Desmond