Volvo 850 T5

[Mr. Jinx]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at purchasing a ~1994 Volvo 850 T5, sedan or wagon (although I would prefer the wagon). From my limited reading, it seems that its quite a powerful little number, with quite a bit of safety kit - which for me, is very appealing.

228.1 PS (225.0 bhp) (167.8 kW) @5200 rpm
300.0 Nm (221 lbft) (30.6 kgm) @2000 rpm
Pretty awesome for a 2.3L 5-cylinder, paricularly considering its from the early 90s!

Here's an example from what I'm looking at. (http://search.carsguide.news.com.au/news/find-a-car/power-search/search-results/car-details.do?make=VOLVO&model=850&make2=&model2=&make3=&model3=&keyword=&priceFrom=&priceTo=10000&body=&newBody=&transmission=&lifeStyle=&yearFrom=&yearTo=&location=All+Locations&postcode=&radius=10&stockNumber=&sortFields=B&asc=true&pageNumber=1&searchType=4&dealerId=&featureAd=false&vehicleId=129374&vehicleType=3)

I'm just after your thoughts on this car, and if you are aware of any problems associated with it. Linkerage to a Volvo-specific forum would also be appreciated.

Also, would it be possible to do a dash & centre console transplant from an early model V70?

Cheers.

[pimento]

I own a '96 volvo 850R sedan, and it's been fantastic. My Mum drives a '97 850 T5 that is equall rock solid, so I can only say good things about them. Good to drive, nice and comfortable, and they feel like they'll last forever.

No idea about the centre console, but the V70 is from after Ford took them over, so I don't know there.

[70cuda88]

very mob boss looking car, id buy one!

[Lets Gekiga In]

Volvos are great cars. Very safe too! Excellent choice!

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I don't think you'd bother getting the centre console from a V70 - it'd be a very similar dash design.

and to stick the new dash in there would be prohibitively expensive.

I drive a regular 850 GLE sedan - it's fairly awesome.

[Mr. Jinx]

Thanks for the advice guys.

But sadly, progress on this idea must now come to a stop. Due to some grossly retarded rules, I won't be able to drive this car for another 3 years. *Sigh*

Provisional plate restrictions in my state stipulate that I can't drive a car that has forced induction. This is odd because the power limit is 200kW, and this damned Volvo only makes 167kW.

You would think I'd be upset with the government, and to a level I am. But its those darn interest groups I hate. They're mainly composed of parents whose sons have seen Fast and the Furious, played NFS Underground, and decided to drive around like a total tool and consquently wrapped themselves around a tree.

Now I can't drive a Volvo wagon.

The injustices of a free society.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Doesn't stop you getting a non-turbo Volvo and giving it some love?

[Ferrer]

The T5 is fabulous Q-car. The normally aspirated 850 it's just a car. Either way you can't go wrong, but the latter won't be exciting.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I dunno - i'm of the belief you make your own excitement ;)

[Ferrer]

I dunno - i'm of the belief you make your own excitement ;)
Well that's true, but you have to reckon that turbo power in such a car makes it a lot easier... :p

[pimento]

The NA 850 isn't bad, my Dad has one.. (yes, we have 4 Volvos in the family.. the other is an S70) it's nice, and it still goes well enough. It's actually nice than the afore mentioned S70 of the same year (both 1997) to drive, so if you have the option either way I'd definately suggest the 850.

[Mr. Jinx]

Like you guys mentioned, the thought of getting a NA 850 did cross my mind, but I really want a T5. My parents have '91 Corolla that I can use, so I might just go with that for the next few years. After that I could get a T5, instead of spending a fair bit on a NA 850 right now. The premium for an Ovlov will only be worth it for the T5, IMO.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

I got my Volvo 850 GLE for $4,700.

hardly a premium you'd think ;)

But if you have a free car to use save some moneys and get the car of your dreams.

[Mr. Jinx]

I got my Volvo 850 GLE for $4,700.

hardly a premium you'd think ;)

But if you have a free car to use save some moneys and get the car of your dreams.
Haha, no not all!

How reliable is your 850? Did you get a service history when you bought it?

You know, I'm seriously considering getting a T5, and then just replacing the badge with a GLE or something. Its not like the police are going to notice that a brick Volvo (hopefully a wagon) is factory turbo'd...

[Ferrer]

You know, I'm seriously considering getting a T5, and then just replacing the badge with a GLE or something. Its not like the police are going to notice that a brick Volvo (hopefully a wagon) is factory turbo'd...
Even if is said Turbo with big bold letters in the back... :)

[Mr. Jinx]

Even if is said Turbo with big bold letters in the back... :)
That I did not know.

*cries*

[pimento]

That I did not know.

*cries*

Ours doesn't... but the older ones may have I guess...

[Ferrer]

That I did not know.

*cries*


Ours doesn't... but the older ones may have I guess...
No I meant that even if it said Turbo in the back police wouldn't believe that Volvo was turbocharged.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Haha, no not all!

How reliable is your 850? Did you get a service history when you bought it?

You know, I'm seriously considering getting a T5, and then just replacing the badge with a GLE or something. Its not like the police are going to notice that a brick Volvo (hopefully a wagon) is factory turbo'd...

FSH, 218,000Km. fastidious owner. it's a very very nice car.

Wagons cost a significant amount more than sedans, so don't discount them even if you like the looks of the wagon more ;)

[pimento]

No I meant that even if it said Turbo in the back police wouldn't believe that Volvo was turbocharged.

Ahh.. they'd probably pull him over anyway and try to look for it to be 'funny'...

I got pulled over once in my R and they thought I'd modified it. I don't think she really believed me when I told her it's all stock. (The 17" rims, spoiler and skirts are a bit un-Volvoey) :D

[Mr. Jinx]

No I meant that even if it said Turbo in the back police wouldn't believe that Volvo was turbocharged.
Hehe, my bad :o


Wagons cost a significant amount more than sedans, so don't discount them even if you like the looks of the wagon more ;)
Thats a darn shame :(

I wanted the wagon mainly for the fact that its such a plain, non-threatening car...and because of the practicality!

[pimento]

I wanted the wagon mainly for the fact that its such a plain, non-threatening car...and because of the practicality!

Sports wagons are definately cooler than the equivalent sedans.

[Mr. Jinx]

Sports wagons are definately cooler than the equivalent sedans.
Haha, for sure! Just like the E63 and RS6!

I could pretend that I have that BTCC winning Volvo wagon! :p

[Ferrer]

I could pretend that I have that BTCC winning Volvo wagon! :p
That could attarct a bit of attention... even being a Volvo an all... :D

[Duell]

Thanks for the advice guys.

But sadly, progress on this idea must now come to a stop. Due to some grossly retarded rules, I won't be able to drive this car for another 3 years. *Sigh*

Provisional plate restrictions in my state stipulate that I can't drive a car that has forced induction. This is odd because the power limit is 200kW, and this damned Volvo only makes 167kW.
........
Now I can't drive a Volvo wagon.

The injustices of a free society.

But if you buy a 2.5 20V you still get 170bhp which is pretty much (I drove it a few weeks back). Its not slow, but a manual is recommended. I own a 850 T5 saloon. I must admit that their are cheaper cars on the market (also concerning maintenance) But when you avoid the dealers its not that bad.

Some Volvo (850) websites/forums
http://www.swedespeed.com/
http://www.swededemon.com/smf/index.php
http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php

and my favorite but it is a dutch forum :p
http://www.volvo850forum.nl/index.php

[Waugh-terfall]

If you can stretch for it, try go for a Phase III 1998 V70R 2.4T 265 - amazing car, aerodynamic properties of a brick, but put your foot down BANG BOOM BYE BYE!! And the noise is phenomenal. Get into contact with RobCooper, he's got one and his a wazard at finding cheap examples.

[Ferrer]

If you can stretch for it, try go for a Phase III 1998 V70R 2.4T 265 - amazing car, aerodynamic properties of a brick, but put your foot down BANG BOOM BYE BYE!! And the noise is phenomenal. Get into contact with RobCooper, he's got one and his a wazard at finding cheap examples.
In Australia...?

[Duell]

If you can stretch for it, try go for a Phase III 1998 V70R 2.4T 265 - amazing car, aerodynamic properties of a brick, but put your foot down BANG BOOM BYE BYE!! And the noise is phenomenal. Get into contact with RobCooper, he's got one and his a wazard at finding cheap examples.

Didn't you read that he can't have a blown engine for at least 3 years ?

[Waugh-terfall]

Whoops, my bad.

[LotusLocost]

Whoops, my bad.

Do you ever read the thread before you reply? Besides the thread title I mean.

[h00t_h00t]

But if you buy a 2.5 20V you still get 170bhp which is pretty much (I drove it a few weeks back). Its not slow, but a manual is recommended.

Its definatly fast enough for a first car and it sounds much nicer without the turbos.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

Do you ever read the thread before you reply? Besides the thread title I mean.

I'm surprised he even replied at all to be honest. there's no Audi in the title ;)

[Ferrer]

I'm surprised he even replied at all to be honest. there's no Audi in the title ;)
Well his tatse is let's say weird.

Hardly anything would surpirse me...

[Waugh-terfall]

Do you ever read the thread before you reply? Besides the thread title I mean.

Yes, I do, I just missed that part out, possibly using 'Page Down' skips a bit...


I'm surprised he even replied at all to be honest. there's no Audi in the title ;)

Hey hey hey, I'm a big Volvo fan too.


Well his tatse is let's say weird.

Hardly anything would surpirse me...

I prefer varied or 'open minded' :)