Volvo 850 Estate 2.3 T5 CD Turbo 5d (1996/N) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
As they say 'it's worth it'. Feels solid and built to last. Done 75K miles in 3 years.
Costs
Expensive to service and replace parts. Eats front tyres. Foot down when towing and you can get the mpg down to 9 mpg! Otherwise in the 20s on average. Not worth scrimping on quality of parts and tyres.
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On the road
Driving
It really shifts. Even when towing. Other drivers totally amazed when overtaken by caravan up a hill!
Performance
225bhp. Looks innocuous, so fun to be had. Have to watch the right foot as it can cost in speeding fines. Cruise control is really useful.
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Living with it
Reliability
Not too bad but expensive to fix. Air conditioning has failed several times.
Image
The T5 badge is still recognised. The car looks dated from the outside, but who cares when they see it perform!
Comfort
Would be a 5, but the ride is not extremely comfortable and the cabin noise is a bit too much. The CD model has everything - Cruise control. Electric adjustable seats. These are really comfortable. Electric mirrors etc. Air Con. A great motorway car.
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Security and Service
Service
Independant Volvo Specialist used (Kings of Witcham) excellent. Tried franchised dealer previously - awful.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Starting to burn oil.
Other
Air conditioning failure.
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