Used 1996 Volvo 850 Consumer Reviews
Used 850 for sale
Solid fun brick, expensive repairs
ADub, 10/15/2009
1996 Volvo 850 Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought mine used at 170000 miles, now has 230000. Right around 200000, had to replace starter, fuel pump, and the odo. went out. Have not replaced odo. Have computer, overall 30 mpg, probably 26 city, 35+ hwy. I drive it slow, 55 mph on hwy. Just replaced head gasket, $1250 at ind.gar Volvos are super safe (built in roll bar in roof), built to last, superior handling, even for the wagons. I believe that the non-turbo engines are peppier than the turbos (when not in boost range). Parts are very expensive - the starter as a rebuilt was $200, not incl. labor. Found a used one for $30 and did it myself. Could have done the fuel pump myself, and saved $400 on labor (part was $200).
Volvo Victim
Mike, 02/03/2005
1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like the safety, reliability and flexibility of the wagon. Have had no problems with the engine. Within the past year have had to replace oxygen sensor, ABS module, PCV valve, radiator, etc. Maintained normal maintenance schedule throughout ownership. Has 134,000 miles, but parts and service are very expensive to maintain the vehicle. Am in the process of selling due to that fact.
1996 Volvo 850 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,9991,422 mi away
- 1996 Volvo 850MSRP: $4,9951,746 mi away
- R SedanMSRP: N/A1,935 mi away
a vintage year - 96
soberone, 09/22/2002
1996 Volvo 850 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In general always buy low engine models in any brand: the hype of more hp is a marketing trick. So with volvo stick with the 168 hp engine. Turbo's allways are more prone to problems (as in any brand car)...Road handling more important than racing to next stoplight...we bought this 1996 model on dec 27 1996 (showroom model) and -knock wood- have never had any major problems. Very low maintenance costs, thanks to a local swede-car mechanic (would have been much more expensive with dealer service, our advise is to avoid the dealer network, they are ripping you off with unnecessary repairs). Very reliable, spacy and comfortable.
Disappointed
PGHowner, 10/27/2003
1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with intentions of being able to pass on to my child a safe/reliable used vehicle that would last several years. I have had various problems with it since purchasing it - having brakes repaired most often (1-2 times a year). I will never buy a Volvo again - my next car will be a Nissan, Toyota or Volkwagen.
Lovely Car, Top Secret Repair Info
janow, 11/18/2003
1996 Volvo 850 GLT 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car for $6500 in January 2003 with 88K miles. Its lovely car and so far has needed only $500 for new brakes (local mechanic). But the seat belt needs to be replaced for about $185, and I worry about repair. I've always bought real shop manuals for cars I own to spot BS and help me fix simple things without going to dealers who make a big deal out of everything. Volvo does everything possible to frustrate this: the real shop manuals are a set costing about $1000 rather than the usual $50 - $100.