Buying a Volvo 850R

[hl97]

Hi all,

Over the last 18 months or so I have owned an Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM and I like it a lot. I have created many memories during its ownership and I would be sad to see it go. There have been many things that I have not liked so much, mainly the blind spot that could hide a cruise ship and the fact that the diesel engine sounds like a tractor at least speeds (very offputting). Aside from that it’s great, doesn’t drive particularly amazingly but the looks make up for it.

The last 4 months I have loved the idea of owning a Volvo 850R/T5R. One has come up for sale recently, a Japanese imported saloon (my preference) in ideal spec with very low miles for only £4995 (automatic). I love the way it looks, although it isn’t exactly a head turner, from what I’ve heard it drives amazingly, is bulletproof, not the most economical but otherwise great. Furthermore, the price seems like a steal.

Would anyone recommend this or persuade me to not make the switch? Am so 50/50 about what to do and would either buy it tomorrow or not at all.

Thanks in advance

[Zebrs]

I have a real soft spot for these, the T5R in particular, although never got round to owning one (T4 S40 as close as I got). Have always hankered for a banana yellow estate. Just remember being flabbergasted that a company as sensible as Volvo brought out an estate with more power than an Escort Cosworth in the early/mid nineties. Nowadays, 600hp+ is not uncommon in fast estates, who’d have thought that 25 years ago? The 17’’ Titan alloys are one of my all time favourites also. Only slight negative is while the seats are typically Volvo comfortable, the interior looks very dated.

Anyway, I digress. Buy it. Do it now. Doesn’t sound like you’ll lose much if anything on it if keenly priced as most are fairly leggy. Get some pics up