Thinking about buying a 1996 Volvo 850 GLT, how is your opinion on that particular car?

Question

I've never owned a Volvo before, but have heard good things about them. I particularly like that they're supposedly long-lasting and reliable. Can anyone tell me about that particular model and give me their good/bad opinions on it?
The car has 111,000 miles on it.

Any help would be appreciated! :-)

Answer 1

1994 Volvo 850s wern't that great - they had issues. 1995 was better, and 1996 &1997 I've heard were possibly the best years for that model. 111,000 miles is good, but be sure they replaced the timing belt (I can't recall on the 850s if it's like the new body style where the timing belt needs to be replaced at 105k or the common 80-90k). As with any other car, make sure they did the regular maintenance needed (i.e. oil changes, etc).

Do realize, however, that Volvo parts do tend to be a bit more than say Honda parts, but they are also safer cars. But like with any other car, take good care of it and it will last. In fact, Volvo has badges to put onto their cars as the odometer hits certain points (i.e. 100k, 200k, 300k, etc miles) and they even have 500k and a one million mile badge club (obviously VERY few make the million).

Here is a bit of info on the 850: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_850

And more specs and reviews here: http://www.edmunds.com/used/1996/volvo/850/7213/prices.html

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

I wouldn't buy an 850. It's not that good a car and 111,000 miles is about enough for most major components to be wearing out, like suspension, alternator, water pump, etc.

Unless it were dirt cheap, I'd try another Volvo model... the 850 doesn't have a good reputation.

Answer 3

Volvos last forever and are the safest cars on the road, any Volvo is a great buy.

Answer 4

i own a repair shop in Tennessee and have worked on a few of them,,mostly just minor things,,they seem to be pretty good cars though from what my customer,s say about them,,and the ones i have test drove really seem to run and drive good,,as far as the mileage goes,,that's not bad for the year of it,,it would be nicer if it had less miles on it,,but if it was taken care of it should be OK,,i have one customer who has one that has around 400 thousand miles on it,,and it is still going really good,,i hope this helps some,,good luck with it.

Answer 5

short and sweet. if i could afford volvos i would be driving one