Fuel consumption?

Hi guys, I'm seriously thinking of buying either an 850 estate or a V70 in the next year - Probably something around the 1996-98 mark.... Currently I have a motobility lease hire vehicle, as I have a severely mentally and physically handicapped daughter, but I'm getting sick and tired of having every little mark repaired - Sadly I live on an estate where a lot of the local yobs seem to think it's a good laugh to run a key down the side of cars, or smash electric door mirrors etc! I need a LARGE estate to get all my daughters clobber into, wheelchair etc etc... And having owned a 240GLE saloon in the past I would happily go back to a Volvo - They're pretty bullet proof and even though I could probably buy newer car by choosing another make, I'm looking at a long term reliable motor, not something I need to consider replacing in 2 years! Anyway, the one thing that I've been unable to find is fuel consumption figures for the various 850/V70 models - Can anyone help please? In fact any general advice/help would be greatly appreciated! Regards Eddy

hello Eddy, the volvo 850 fuel consumption is not that bad to be honest, ive got a '96 855, 2.5 10v, and around town i get mpg in the low 20's. the newest car you can afford should be the best but obviously because theyre used cars you have to be careful. full service history is brilliant to have but not essential as a lot of Volvo owners service their own cars. front tyre wear is quite heavy on 850's, so check the tread. check the suspension all round, if its got a tow bar make sure it the suspension doesnt sag on the rear end. turn on the ignition key and check all the lights on the dash come on and go off when the engine is started. check for mayonaise like deposits in the oil filler cap. check the rear oil seals on the engine. make sure the brakes work nicely. i think most, if not all of this is relevant with the phase 1 v70. as for engine size, i think the 2.5 either in its 10v or 20v guise is powerful enough, but the t5 is much more of an animal. i hope this helps, regards cavey

HI, Have yourself a skim through the technical posts in both the 850 section and 70 section. Pay particular attention to ETM issues. Volvos also have electric mirrors and have nice paintwork that can be ruined. Crossbows work wonders! Des. . . ;)

Diesel? 

If fuel consumption is a big priority, then the diesels are worth a look. You can get over 40mpg on the motorway from an auto, probably 45mpg from a manual, and performance wise they should be as good as all but the turbo petrol models, especially if you get one that's been chipped. Good luck with your search!

Thanks for the replies John, Des and Cavey... greatly appreciated. Regards Eddy

I have a 2001 V70 2.4 auto and everyday running to work get approx 25-27mpg. Longer running over 30mpg.

fuel consumption