960s can be a nightmare if you get a bad one, but absolutely fabulous if you get a good one. I got a good one. Picked it up with just over 110k, full records, sympathetic owner. It's closing in on 170k and has honestly been one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. It's quiet, comfortable, has reasonable performance, and the wife love it. I'm just sad that some day it'll probably wear out. I'm already keeping an eye out for another, but they're getting older every day.
Regards, Richard

mine has had a lot of the textbook V90/960 things go wrong with it. I'll give you a rundown as list of things to check.

Rear shocks were mushy
front control arms and anti-sway bar links wore out
Rear engine main seal failed
Radiator had to be replaced
Plastic lenses on exterior lights are falling apart
Shifter light is burned out
AC needed to be recharged
power steering hose leaked like crazy
little windshield wipers on the headlights don't work
Auxiliary airpump fried itself

I hope this helps.

The 960 for 1995, 96, and 97 are quite similar. Front end body changes and engine improvements from the earlier models. 1998 is the only year for the S90/V90 cars, and those are the last RWD Volvos.

What to look for? Records, records, records.

On the B6304 engine the timing belt is extremely critical, has a 70,000 change cycle. Was it changed on time? Can he prove it? Timing belt failure = engine cratered. Earlier modles had a different belt tooth configuration and a shorter change cycle.

Oil changes? (Synthetic or not? Filter brand?) Other fluids? Brake fluid? (Must be DOT-4+) Coolant? (volvo only, for me)

Is the Check Engine light on? (Have it scanned) Do you get the owner's manual?

Does it have Nivomat (self-leveling) rear shocks? The car has independent rear suspension, and can use "normal" shocks.

I hope you find a gread one.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)