Volvo 850 Estate
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Starting to depreciate very heavily. New £26,000, trade in 1/9/03 £3,250 at 100,000 miles.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Some genuine Volvo parts dear, some cheap. Fuel at 34mpg reasonable.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Rides a little firmly, but goes where I point it. Eats front tyres.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Wolf in sheep's clothes. 70 to 90 in 5th very quickly.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Switchgear and electrics starting to fail, but mechanically bombproof.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Unobtrusive, bodywork gleams, very middle class.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I find it comfy, my wife hates the anti-whiplash headrests.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Glass break sensor failed when tailgate smashed by vandal.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Genuine Volvo tailgate screen cheaper than Autoglass.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    ECC thermostats failed - £600 to remedy. Headlight switch £69.

    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