Volvo 850 Estate
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    £6000 for a 6 year old 48,000-miler.

    Costs

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Dealer servicing costs are truly frightening.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great motorway car. Responds well to smooth driving. Brakes are awesome.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Automatic gearbox makes it deceptively quick. Amusing car to beat hot hatches off the lights.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Failed air-mass sensor caused engine to cut out at idle. £350 to fix at dealer.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    It is a Volvo and that makes me a Volvo driver and I quite like that.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Best seats in the business, rides beautifully. Auto is smooth unless seriously hurried in sports mode.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Factory alarm.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Quality of service is excellent. Price is frightening - £900 for a main dealer service (this did include a cambelt and new brake discs).

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Air mass sensor failed causing cut-out at idle.

    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