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Used car choice: Volvo 850 T5

A Volvo to lust after – that was the thinking behind the 850 T5

Volvo 850 T5
T5-R’s racy looks matched by turbo’s huge performance

By Luke Edwardes-Evans

08th July 2007

The top-of-the-range engine was introduced to the family car line-up in 1994, and Volvo teamed up with Tom Walkinshaw Racing to enter an estate version in the British Touring Car Championship. It didn’t win, but it sure raised awareness of the pace of the turbo flagship.

Delivering 225bhp, the 2.3-litre five-cylinder engine propelled the 850 from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph. As a result, tyres on the front-wheel-drive Volvo are prone to heavy wear, so check them out on any second-hand example. The huge load-lugger handles well, but for the ultimate thrills, find a later 250bhp R model (image). It will have spoilers, contrasting Titan grey 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres. Inside, part-leather upholstery and Alcantara trim continue the racy feel. These days, the R carries a premium of only £350 over the popular GLT variant, and choosing the auto adds another £100.

Yet whichever you choose, a used 850 T5 offers masses of space, pace and reliability for the money. Front brakes have a hard life, though, and turbo whine points to wear. Also, check the clutch and light-coloured interiors, which can show their age.

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Pictures

Volvo 850 T5
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Volvo 850 T5 in detail

Prices: £1,000-£6,000
Production dates: 1994-97
Engine: 2.3-litre 5cyl, 225bhp
Why? A Volvo with attitude, the T5 is a great everyday workhorse that can play hard at the weekend. Finding one with less than 100,000 miles on the clock is tricky, and the later, improved R is rare and sought after. Most were estates, but the four-door is fast and practical, too.
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