Used Volvo 850

What to know before buying: Volvo 850

From 4 forum threads · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Owners and forum members describe the 850 as pleasant, charismatic and practical, but recommend choosing primarily by the condition of the individual car.[4]one source
• The 850 is now over 30 years old; even on a reliable car, a major repair may cost a substantial share of its purchase price.[4]one source
• Forum experience points to expensive parts and dwindling availability of quality components, including timing belts and engine mounts.[4]one source
• One 850 owner found the Mercedes 190 quieter and softer-riding; another contributor described the 850 as rather jarring on mediocre roads.[4]one source

Typical faults

• A 1994 2.0 GLT owner reported a flashing oil warning and an unpleasant dry engine noise after sustained driving at 120–130 km/h; the symptoms disappeared after cooling.[1]one source

  1994–1994 · 2.0 GLT

• On a 2.5 B5252S, hardened O-rings between the sump and block reportedly let the oil pump draw air, causing hot oil-pressure loss and hydraulic-lifter rattle.[1]one source

  2.5 B5252S

• A 1998 850 T5 at about 120,000 km jerked and emitted heavy black smoke; replacing the oxygen sensor initially helped, but hesitation and power loss later returned at 3,000–4,000 rpm.[2]one source

  120 000–120 000 km · 1998–1998 · T5

• A 1996 2.0 petrol car stalled, jerked, ignored throttle input and sometimes backfired when hot, then ran normally after cooling. Later it developed hard starting, surging revs and initial cylinder misfires.[3]one source

  1996–1996 · 2.0 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• Petrol engines are described as reliable on the forum, but age and uncertain maintenance history make the condition of the individual engine decisive.[4]one source

What to avoid

• An experienced forum contributor advises ruling out the 2.5 diesel altogether because of age and accumulated mileage.[4]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the body carefully for corrosion and previous repairs: owners warn that after this many years it cannot be assumed sound, while some body panels are difficult to source.[4]one source
• Do not trust the odometer without condition and history to support it: forum members disputed a 166,000 km reading and advised judging the whole car.[4]one source
• During a test drive, fully warm a 2.0 petrol engine and check starting, idle, throttle response, hesitation and stalling.[3]one source
• With the engine hot, watch the oil warning and listen for lifter rattle or dry mechanical noise; the source reports pressure trouble appearing after warm-up or fast driving.[1]one source
• Test a T5 under load at 3,000–4,000 rpm and watch for black smoke, hesitation and power loss; in one case the issue was at least partly linked to the oxygen sensor.[2]one source
• Before buying, identify a workshop that can diagnose an old 850: one shop could not test a 1996 car, while another warned that computer diagnostics would reveal little.[3][4]

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Volvo 850 GLT 2,0 1994.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
2. [2]volvo4life.es — Problemas con mi volvo 850 t5 1998 · forum
3. [3]volvo-club.lv — 850 serviss · forum
4. [4]volvo-club.by — В общем про volvo 850, S70, что ждать от авто? · forum

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