volvo 850 tdi ? how good are they really ?

[hhhugues]

And also, how expensive are parts ?

 

I'm looking at maybe buying an 850 tdi manual from 1996, but thought i would pick your collective brains before committing. It's very cheap but it's done about 160000 and the clutch will need changing.

 

So I wonder, how good is the engine in these ? is it a VW engine like in the 7/940 or was it developed by volvo ? I've often heard suggested that the real bulletproof ones are the petrol ones. Any truth in that ? Is the clutch likely to set me back a fortune, and are there any particularly pricey bits to look out for ?

 

Here's a piccy of the beast. The 850 is probably my favourite big volvo...

 

[Manbearpig]

Had lots of these; AWD, R, T5 etc. My 850 T5 was even the same colour, gorgeous isn't it?

 

I currently run a V70 T5 and V70 Tdi (Audi engine) side by side so amazingly can comment with some degree of knowledge, that prevents me entering other threads!

 

The diesel is about twice as economical fuel wise as a T5 and almost as fast. Power delivery is very old school, plenty of chug and smokes like a North sea ferry at times. The big Volvos are like any other big car, biggish bills when something goes wrong ie just spent about £500 on the front suspension as it's a heavy old bus, noticeably heavier than the T5 which can be chucked about like a hot hatch. Some parts like the bottom arms are HD items shared with the R and a tad more expensive (also needs the engine lifting to access the bolts etc)

 

Choice ultimately depends how many miles you do and where. The diesel does 40mpg everywhere, around the doors or a 300 mile round trip. My 850 T5 did mid to high 20s in day to day and high 30s on the motorway with a bit of restraint. I don't think the price differential between the diesel/petrols is quite as severe as it used to be but with hindsight I would have bought a cheaper manual T5 and spent the difference on fuel over the next 3 years

 

PS sorry never changed a clutch. However I would add that despite a few foibles these are AWESOME everyday cars, you will be ruined for anything else after the space. No-one makes anything like then now IMHO, inc Volvo

[CreepingJesus]

All of the above, plus...

From what I gather (as a first time V70 owner, who's done a fair bit of research), the clutch needs done properly. OEM clutch kits are ok, but there's Special Volvo Grease (or somesuch) which should be smeared on the input shaft splines on assembly. Added to the odd tales of the clutch being misaligned (apparently easy to cock up on these), and it would seem that a proper specialist is the way to go, for the clutch job.

Other than that; tough as old boots. There's stacks of life left in one with 160thou on it, so I'd say go for it.

[Manbearpig]

I've seen plenty advertised with 220k+ on them so potentially plenty of life left in yours

 

Re parts, although obviously more expensive.... the genuine items are, with a few exceptions, leagues ahead of pattern stuff. FRF motors in Swansea do an enthusiasts discount of anything between 10-30%. On small items this will at least cover the postage from your potentially distant, and (in my experience) not very friendly, "local" dealers who mostly hates the sight of shitistas like us. When asking for the "parts dept" the meeter/greeter will stop smiling and wave you through a windowless door which you often wonder whats on the other side - a chute to a shark tank or something.

[KruJoe]

That turquoise is a lovely colour. Even my wife would let me have another if it looked like that!

Get it bought.

 

In Thailand I have a 2.3 pez saloon on gas, but that's a different animal all together.

 

 

Remember me if you need any non-service bits, I still have most of this one I'm breaking here:

 

 

"Clicky link to breaking thread"

[hhhugues]

thanks for the info / advice, people. I really want it, it's really just a matter of whether its still here when I can finally go fetch it, it's 150 miles away so I can't do that before the week end.

 

The main worry about the clutch isn't just having to get it changed, its mostly that its slipping already, hence the car being sold as spares - how long can I reasonably expect it to last in that state ? I'd need to drive it quite a way before being able to repair : /

[dieselnutjob]

The engine is the same 5 cyl TDI as the Audi 100 and first A6, therefore it will be brilliant if it's working properly. The same basic engine was being used in T4 Caravelle/Transporters until quite recently.

[mcqueenmachine]

superb motor. roomy, relaxing and astonishingly easy on the gas for a big un.

[Micrashed]

superb motor. roomy, relaxing and astonishingly easy on the gas for a big un.

HES ALIIIIIIIIIVE!

 

[mcqueenmachine]

indeed. I have always been here but think that being a professional gobshite precludes me from mouthing off here. The excellence of the 850 has - briefly - brought me out of my self-imposed silence.

[KruJoe]

Yay!

Good to see you online here, even better to hear that you keep an eye on what we prattle on about. Keep up the good work!

[Tayne]

Were you on BBC news the other day?

[HBR]

I see an X reg V70 TDI & it uses the VW/Audi 5 cylinder engine, always has 42-44mpg on the trip computer. Cambelts on these engines are important, they're as good as any other VAG engine at the tensioner pullies breaking up so fit a full kit if you're going to do the belt & consider the water pump as you'll be doing most of the work anyway. The injection pump is driven by a sperate belt from the other end of the camshaft & you get it al in the VW kit. The Kit from the 2.5 TDI VW T4 van does fit at least the V70, dont see why the earlier 850 would be different. I fitted a genuine VAG kit for the van to the Volvo!

[forddeliveryboy]

Engine itself great, no idea about Volvo's installation regarding the clutch. My 140hp/220lb.ft five-potter does 43mpg in hard terrain with a load of weight up and a heavy right foot. 50mpg+ if the wife and baby's onboard. Not nice sound at higher revs when cruising - the engine is best when worked hard through the gears. So I love the long-striding 6th on a M-way. Loves veg oil if used hard-ish. Just don't run 100% and don't sit idling forever and a day.

[Pete-M]

indeed. I have always been here but think that being a professional gobshite precludes me from mouthing off here. The excellence of the 850 has - briefly - brought me out of my self-imposed silence.

 

Mouthing off in here is what we all tend to do.... Keep smilin'.

 

As for 850s, I've only had a T5 CD auto estate, it was great. Didn't like going quickly on anything more involving than an A road, but otherwise a great car.

 

Personally, I prefer the V70 as I don't like the 850 interior much.

[Shep Shepherd]

I'd like to have one of these, but in my experience, they are really hard to find in decent condition without stupidly high mileages nowadays.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

mrs_Ballz is on about us getting a V70 D5 next year