Sorry, bit similar to the earlier TVR thread....

I have a friend who is considering buying a Volvo 850 T5/T5R. He has had a Caterham and now has a UK Scooby. He needs something larger etc. but still wants something fast.

So, what do all of you knowledgable guys think?? Have any of you ever owned one of these?? What is the reliability like?? Handling okay (for FWD, loads of power)??

Your opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Darren

 

I have an 850 T5 as the car to run the dogs around in. I love it as it's got heated seats, leather, wood. Great car but make sure you get the automatic as I tried a manual and it was awful in comparison! I am now considering trading the Sti in for an 805R. The T5 is faster than most on the road but doesn't compare to the Scoob but I do prefer the refinement of it!

 

My brother has a Volvo 850R and it's in the members gallery if you want to see it. I've got a Terzo and I've driven the Volvo. It's very quick, very comfy, and loads of gadgets. It's more like an executive power car.

I'll need to disagree with Tim as I have driven both as well and Manual is the way to go. Perhaps Tim drove a bad example.

My brother is actually thinking about selling his Volvo - don't know what price he's looking for it but if you've got a Lotus Esprit or a Supra Twin Turbo then I'm sure he'll want to talk to you .

 

There are also AWD versions of the T5 and R if you're concerned about putting the power through two wheels (the police seem to prefer the 2WD versions, though).

 

Never owned one, only had an extended test drive but VERY impressed with refinement, comfort etc (especially compared with the then-current 5-series, 164 etc competition).

Handles nicely, and it is f-a-s-t. In gear and rolling, I would say its quicker than just about anything. There's no lag to speak of -- from 2000rpm in ANY gear, just hit the throttle and it flies. Nice noise too!

 

.......agree with all the above (had its baby brother - V40 T4) but putting 250 BHP through the front wheels on wet, diesel stained roads is an interesting experience!

 

Thanks for the info guys, I will pass it on.

Gordon - has your brother had any particular problems with his that my friend should look out for?? And how do they take high mileage, as my friend may buy a high miler....

Thanks.

Darren

 

Darren,
Fullonloon's dad has one (he uses the board) and can never speak highly enough of it.
I know that somebody was considering it a while ago.
Let me go and dig it out.

 

Here it is!

 

I've been umm-ing ahh-ing for a while now about which car to buy next.

I've been thinking about Audi, Scoob, Saab, Volvo, Mercedes, etc..

I've not been test driving any of the above cars yet. This has just been my 'start from a blank piece of paper' list.

I've come to the conclusion that a V70 T5 wheel drive is what I [probably] want. I'll test drive one a bit nearer to when I've got some cash (towards the end of the year)

I've had a look at a few 850's and while they appear very similar on the outside, the interior looks a bit dated.

Just my 2p.

C

 

Darren

My brother hasn't had a problem with it so far. He's had it for about 1 year now and all he did was serviced it regulary. I'm not sure how they take high miles as his is quite low for it's age. Just make sure that what he's buying is what it is - i.e. there's differences between the T5/T5R/850R but some differences are hard to spot. Check the log books carefully.

 

Thanks Blowdog, Gordon, ca et al. All very useful opinions...

Any more out there (Fullonloon, Mellow Yellow??)??

Cheers.

Darren

 

Scooby Newbie here, picking up on your T5 thread. Please be gentle with me.

Two car family. His=Subaru, Hers=V70 T5

We've owned it from new (97'P), currently 60K on the clock. It's an auto.

My findings:-

Auto/Manual - can't comment on manuals. But have always thought that an auto box must have a decent amount of power going through it to give a decent drive (ie safe overtaking). The 2.3 turbo and auto box work very well together. Putting your foot to the floor delivers some of the 240 bhp to the front wheels and provides you with effortless overtaking.

Front Wheel Drive - likewise 240 bhp going through the front wheels can prove to be a bit much sometimes (in the wet for example).
Front tyre wear can also be rapid if your a bit heavy footed. Rear tyres last forever.

Trim - Volvo sell their engines and trim levels seperate. For example, you can buy a T5 with the most basic trim level, conversely you could buy their smallest engine but kit the car out with the highest trim. As the T5 engine is their flagship engine I would recommend getting the highest trim level, although this is down to personal taste and depends on what you plan to use the car for.
If it's just going to lug furniture around, perhaps the suede/leather seats aren't the best choice!
Trim is quite a complex area - pop into a Volvo dealer and ask for a brochure if you want to get to grips with trim choices.

Dealers - the few I have dealt with are excellent. I mean it. We had a few niggly problems with ours and the service to resolve them was so different to other cars I have owned.

Space - simply put Volvo estates = space. If kids are the reason for your mates change of car, Volvo can fit extra seats in the rear. These seats fold flat when your carrying large objects. With all the seats folded down you'll be amazed at just how much stuff you can get in.

Driving - great on long hauls (eg motorways), but can lose the plot on twisty back roads. But then that's why I've got the Scoob.
Not a bad sounding engine from the 5 pots either.

That's it for now.

Bigmac