CHEAP THRILLS
Iconic motor that’s loved by Wheeler Dealers’ host Mike Brewer can now be picked up for a bargain price
They packed enough punch to frighten even BMW M3s
AN ICONIC superwagon that's loved by Wheeler Dealers’ host Mike Brewer can be bought for an absolute bargain price in 2024.
The surprisingly powerful Volvo 850 was a stalwart of British roads in the 1990s and is remembered for mixing practicality with thrilling speed.
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In a feature for , the much loved TV host said there’s “not much cooler than a boxy estate car”
He added: “Few other cars are able to get you, the family and your dog to a destination in the same comfort.”
The 850 is a relic of a bygone era of fun estate cars - which were a curious niche of the car market in the 1990s.
The 850’s rivals in that sector included the Subaru Impreza sportswagon and even the Audi RS2 Avant, but the 850 is perhaps the best remembered of the lot
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Mike added: “These days they might have been usurped by yawn-inducing SUVs, but I’d argue estates are far better looking than these jacked-up four-by-bores.
“So let me introduce you to the most iconic of the lot, the 850.
“It follows all of Volvo’s classic styling traits – aka, make a box and put four wheels underneath it. And it looks brilliant, even today.
“It’s considerably different to the rounded, smooth look of modern cars – and I think that makes it even more appealing.”
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The 850 could be picked up with three different engine sizes - a 2.0-litre, 2.5-litre, and 2.3-litre.
There was also the T5 and T5R models, with the latter boasting a top speed of 152 mph.
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Mike added: "The T5R had 250bhp and was able to scare off BMW M3s.”
Mike says these can be picked up for around £7,500 - although we were able find an 850 R on the classic car auction site for just £4,000.
This comes as an 1980s motor that Mike bought for less than £4,000 in a classic episode of Wheeler Dealers can now be bought for an eye-watering amount.
And a popular convertible that Jeremy Clarkson claimed "feels exactly how a sports car should" can now be picked up for a bargain price of under £10,000.
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