Take it or leave it: May 27 second-hand pickaxes Car News

Are you looking for an uncommon estate that can surpass the average hot hatch? We have the car for you – and it might not be the one you expect.

It comes from Volvo, a brand that now epitomizes premium comfort and technology. Spectacular and exuberant special edition models? Not really.

We focus on the Volvo 850, which was introduced in 1991 as the successor to the Volvo 240. Available in station wagon and sedan body styles, the 850 is both practical and stylish. But we’re more interested in the performance version – the second, to be precise, which is the aptly named 850R.

Introduced in 1996, the 850R succeeded the limited-edition 850 T-5R, which itself produced 18 hp more than the standard 850 Turbo. The 850R, meanwhile, took performance to even greater heights.

Under the skin, it gained a bigger Garrett turbocharger and upgrades to the intercooler, manifolds and fuel pressure sensor. Its suspension has also been beefed up with stiffer shock absorbers and thinner anti-roll bars.

So power, then. The 850R produced 247 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque from a 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which meant it could cover 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a manual gearbox. five-speed, or 7.5 seconds with the four-speed auto. Top speed was capped at 155 mph.

The heavy-duty manual gearbox is considered the ultimate choice for this front-wheel drive model as it was designed specifically for the 850R. It also benefited from a viscous-coupled limited-slip differential.

There were some exterior styling changes for a subtly sporty look, such as a new rear spoiler and 17-inch Volan wheels, while the interior had Alcantara sports seats, a two-tone leather steering wheel and ‘R’ branding. “.

The downside is that you may have to search high and low for an 850R, as they are increasingly rare. Only 143 remain on UK roads, with a further 162 currently SORN.

However, we found a 1996 example for £9995. It’s a Japanese import, but don’t be discouraged: it has that all-important comprehensive service history and has been fitted with a plethora of spare parts. Its owner describes it as “low mileage” but doesn’t quote the exact figure, so be sure to ask them for any vital information.

Verdict: Take it

Skoda Karoq, £14,999: This 2021 Karoq may only have 14,000 miles on the odometer, but it was also involved in a Class S accident. There is no information in the classified listing as to what the incident might have been. , so ask the seller in detail or look at some more run-in Karoqs, which can start from £14,500 for a 50,000-mile example.

Verdict: Leave him

Alpina B10, £31,900: The seller of this 1999 Alpina asks if it is the best right hand drive B10 in the UK. It is certainly impressive. It has a full service history and no exterior damage. It also recently had £4,000 worth of work, such as new suspension arms, brake calipers, rotors and pads. The car has done about 45,000 miles, which is barely broken in for this naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8…

Verdict: Take it

MG 6, £4999: When launched in 2011, the MG 6 was the brand’s first major product under its new owner, Shanghai-based SAIC Motor. Although the 6 has decent handling, a good ride and a usefully spacious interior, its gruff powertrain and turbo lag let the model down. It was also only offered with a manual, as seen on this 2015 diesel.

Verdict: Leave him