Used 1997 Volvo 850 Consumer Reviews
Used 850 for sale
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Most unreliable car we have owned
cvstan, 08/03/2002
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This car is a big disappointment. Dealer had good reputation and all signs pointed to a good ownership experience. Wrong! Stuck on the side of the raod twice. Alternator failed. Transmission computer failed. Air pump failed. Brakes squeal!!! Battery failed without warning. AC failed at least twice. Somehow refrigerant got out of the AC system without there being a leak. Right. Dealer service is expensive etc. etc. BMWs have been much more reliable. Old Volvos deserve their good reputation; this one does not.
Unreliable, maintenance headache
SB, 11/19/2003
1997 Volvo 850 R Turbo 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Unless you or a friend are certified Volvo mechanics - STAY AWAY from these cars. I have thoroughly enjoyed this car - but only when it was behaving properly. I have been eaten alive with repairs and excessive maintenance. For what was originally a $40,000 car, this is the biggest rip off I have ever had the displeasure of owning.
Lots of trouble
Walrus, 10/11/2002
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The quality of this vehicle has been extraordinarly low. Lightbulbs go out constantly. The headlight switch went at 18,000 miles. The exterior side trim on both sides has become loose and munched by door opening three times now. The tensioner on the main engine belt has been a major problem - during wet weather, the alternator spins down and we lose power steering! We bought this car for it's reputation of being safe and reliable - it has been a nightmare. We'll never buy another volvo.
I won't consider anything but Volvo
aod831, 07/19/2004
1997 Volvo 850 GLT Turbo 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 740 with 170,000 for an 850 with 58,000. I had the rear seal oil leak problem, but once that was fixed, this car has been a dream. I now have 130,000 miles and it runs just as smooth as the day I got it. I'm turning it over to our newly licensed teenage daughter and getting a used S70 (which by the way, is what my husband drives). I strongly recommend the scheduled 5,000 maintenance. Our local dealers service dept is simply the best. We couldn't ask for better!
Fast roomy wagon but lots of problems
dna, 02/11/2004
1997 Volvo 850 T5 Turbo 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Volvo wagon is unique. Lots of power and room but lots of mechanical problems too. It has cost $4500 in repairs to keep it going 75,000 miles so far and that does not include the $1200 quoted for replacing the AC evaporator. I might sell the car if I can't find a better price for the AC repair.
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