Volvo 850 Estate
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Superb used buy. Highly durable and a non rust, galvanised body

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Volvo parts can be costly, but worth it in the long run. I.e. It still has the original clutch and front brake discs at 152K miles

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Decent handling, feels sturdy and reassuring

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    2.0 engine couldn't pull the skin off arice pudding at low revs - but wind it up and it sounds like a 5 cylinder rally car and goes very well!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Totally dependable (so long as correctly and expertly serviced)

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Still looks the part at 11 years old

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A great long distance cruiser, others rave about the seats, but I'm not that impressed with them

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Older models have no additional security features

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Don't use dealers (too expensive for older cars) Use a Volvo specialist (Kings of Westbury in Wiltshire - just amazing 01373 822637

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None - although the hydraulics tappets do like to tick (they all do it sir)

    Other

    External plastics and rear lamp lenses tend to discolour

    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