Volvo 850 Estate
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Superb value for a very quick car.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Get a warranty! Your air con evaproator *will* fail (£700+ to replace), but otherwise pretty reliable.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Pleasant to drive, but a bit jittery owing to very hard suspension.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Goes like a rocket - 0-60 in about 6.5 secs (automatic!)

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I've had it from 100,000 to 150,000 miles and it's never left me stranded, but some electrical niggles and the air con is a pain.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I think it's still the best looking estate despite its age.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fairly comfortable, but jittery ride can be an issue on rough road surfaces.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    No idea. It's never been broken into.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Service from the independent specilist Phil Whitaker Cars (Farnham Common) has been pretty good.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Air con evaporator and compressor, electrical niggles and steering rack.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes