Volvo 850 Estate 2.3 T5 CD Turbo 5d (1996/N) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
Porsche performance for Escort money. Spend a grand under the bonnet and you will have a 300bhp car you can put the shopping and five kids in.
Costs
Costs in proportion with the performance. If you have a heavy right foot, expect big tyre bills (don't even think about budget tyres on this car!) and big fuel bills. They can be driven gently too!
-
On the road
Driving
A bit crashy on poor roads due to stiff suspension and low-profile tyres.
Performance
You cannot buy anything for less than 5 grand that will touch this car in terms of performance and build quality. They don't fall apart.
-
Living with it
Reliability
Minor electrical gremlins. Service it well, change the oil (and use a quality brand - Magnatec or similar) every few thousand miles and it won't let you down.
Image
Looking a bit dated, but who cares!
Comfort
Electrically adjustable, heated leather seats for everyone. Switchgear close to hand in most cases, but some dash items fiddly. Excellent heating and A/C system.
-
Security and Service
Security
Needs a Tracker or Thatcham device these days. FF alarm/immobiliser is not enough.
Service
Use a non-franchised specialist unless the mileage is very low.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes