Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question…

Dear Alex…

My 1995 Volvo 850 SE 2.5 auto is my first car. It’s done 177,000 miles and has been regularly serviced. In April 2021 it struggled to go above 10mph, although it had started perfectly. After 10-15 minutes of driving at very low speed, it suddenly drove normally. I parked for two hours after a 50-mile journey, then drove home without any issues. But, the next time I drove the car from cold, the same thing happened. This has been the pattern to this day. A gearbox specialist said it could cost up to £2,000 to fix, but I really want to keep the car going, not throw it away. Any suggestions?

– JK

Dear JK, 

The 850 is a great car and I admire you for keeping yours going. That sort of mileage is fairly normal; with regular maintenance this model can easily rack up huge mileages, so fixing the problem makes sense.

The trouble is, this kind of gearbox issue is often difficult to diagnose. However, it does sound like a cold start issue since a gearbox fault wouldn’t usually cure itself miraculously when the engine is at operating temperature.

I’d check the idle air control valve and mass airflow sensor first. You can easily remove and clean these yourself if you’re mechanically minded, or any competent garage will be able to do so relatively cheaply.

If these don’t solve the problem, check the coolant temperature sensor – if that’s sending faulty data to the electronic control unit (ECU) when the engine is cold, it’ll cause a loss of power.

Thereafter, I’d suggest a process of testing the engine’s other sensors and then chasing any vacuum leaks in the air intake system. It could also be a problem with the ignition or fuelling systems, although I’d imagine that if these were at fault you’d be experiencing a misfire or some rough running.

If you’re not confident about doing this yourself, try a local Volvo specialist. It may be a common issue or one they’ve experienced before – and they may offer a solution rather more rapidly than you’d imagine.

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