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Bill and Roger,
As 240 owner for 10 years, I too was hesitant about the FWD cars. To make a long story short, 2 years ago I bought a 95 NA wagon with automatic and I'll never look back... The car in most ways is far superior to the RWD cars. In my 2 years of ownership it has given me less trouble than my 240 did at the same stage of its life. Bought at 164k and now has 185k. My only expensive repair has been a radiator and that isn't really surprising for a 16 year old car.
The cons - the 850's and S/V70's can't be neglected like the RWD cars. Their parts are usually more expensive and they are more complicated. I'm finally beginning to feel comfortable working on mine after 2 years. Previous maintenance is key. Don't buy a neglected car!
If you are looking for the simplest (electronically etc.) and possibly most reliable FWD Volvo then consider a 95-97 850 and 98 S/V70 with a 5 speed. I would have bought a 5 speed but I couldn't find a good one. My 95 auto was just too sweet to pass up...:)
Oh, let me add if you end up buying a slushbox flush the tranny asap unless it has been done recently. Flushing them every 30-40k should extend their life quite a bit. With good quality gas and oil changes the white block engines should last as long as a red block.
Jim
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