Volvo 850 Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The saloon, second-hand, is real value for money. The estates are nearly double the price, so if you don't need the little bit of extra space, get a saloon.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Does around 30 MPG, you could probably get a bit more by being careful. I expect the manual does a bit better. Parts costs are quite high, but you don't need them very often (if ever).

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very comfortable if you are 6'3", I can't speak for others. I do a high mileage and I love driving this car. The auto box seems to just drift through the gears without any indication to the driver except the change on the taco. High class engineering.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Surprisingly good, Very good acceleration off the lights with the auto box. More than adequate on the motorway.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Never missed a beat. Always passes MOT.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Depends what you want. If you want to be "seen" this is not the car for you, so go and waste your money on a BMW or a 4x4.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very comfortable, no-one ever complains. I have had a bad back for years, but never a problem in this car.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    So far no-one has broken in.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not an issue. The car has a service at my local garage every 10,000miles and an MOT every year. Never any problems.

  • 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