Volvo 850 Issues

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Pete.

the T5 has aprox 4 times the power of the ford engine :) and BOY do they go :) but it if you want, but from a cost point of view, the 2.5 might be better in the long run

Running costs of the turbo and non turbo aren't far different - in town you'll find yourself giving it shedloads pulling out of junctions in a T5 and eating fuel and tyres but otherwise a very solid and economical buy for a car its size.

The one thing that does seem to be common when it comes to problems is the air con. Not very reliable and expensive when it breaks down. Make sure you check that this is working before you buy.

Hear Hear - had a company 850 - 94M - one of the best cars I have had. Two problems, one an inlet manifold sensor causing engine problems, but I think this is known about and all cars should have had this go wrong/been fixed - and the aircon which needed a new compressor at around 75k. Apart from that it was great (2.5 SE)

In general a very comfortable and solid car - good value for money. As already mentioned, check out the rear main oil seal. Check the door check straps work too. They are weak and can break up - more annoying that anything else. If broke the door won't 'hold' open, which is annoying on a blustery day or if parked on a hill. Interior trim can get a bit rattly but that's probably more of an issue in my part of the world where the roads are crumbling tracks.

Aircon, auto gearboxes, ABS / TC can cause trouble.

Otherwise great :-)

Mine's got no aircon, 5 speed manual... now you mention it the ABS does seem a bit keen at times - I cleaned the sensors and it seemed to cure it (for now?). Traction control? That's what tyres are for (on the 2 litre at least).