Haven't posted here in a while, due to a brief dalliance with Saabs - ugh. But I'm hoping to get back in the Volvo fold with an opportunity to buy a 'mint' '95 960 wagon with 190,000 miles. I've looked at many of the pros/cons to these cars in the archives, but still can't make up my mind. I'm going to see it later today, but according to the ad, it has a brand-new set of Pirellis, new radiator and a rebuilt head, new timing belt, body in perfect shape (always garaged). Everything works, apparently, dealer maintained with records. Plus, it has a brand-new set of studded snows the guy is throwing in. They're asking $3k, which is negotiable.

So to those of you out there much more learned on the subject than I - is this something worth considering? I mean, if it hadn't been consistently maintained I wouldn't even be thinking about it - I'm not that crazy! Or should I lean towards a more sensible 940/740 model?

Many thanks for any input!

The 940 and 960 are completely different driving experiences. The 940 is definitely tougher and easier to repair, but the 960 is soooo much smoother as a whole. It really is like a night and day difference between the two cars.

As I posted recently on the V90 page, vehicles (any make/model/year/) with this kind of mileage are nearly impossible to sell (at least in metro NYC).
Why? Because they represent serious financial risks. IF you own it for even 1 day and the engine goes south, the cost to repair/replace is nearly equal to the price you paid for the whole car.
You get the idea.. Wait it out, put in a lower offer that at least partially covers the risk, walk away etc..
It's always your call.

Dr. Chip
Westchester County NY
98 V90

Thanks for the feedback, guys. So I showed up expecting a 'mint' car, and this thing was far from it. Exterior OK, but very rough interior (interior door panel covering had wrinkled in the classic fashion, but somebody had actually stapled it back on!), almost 200,000 miles. Engine and trans seemed strong, but I just couldn't feel comfortable with anything after being lied to about the state of the car.

SOOO, on to the next one - but after looking under the hood and then comparing it to the incredibly simple but efficient architecture of the 740/940, I think I'm going to persue those models from now on, and leave the more complicated models to the true risk-takers!

Good move.
However, my V90 is a great car and I would not hesitiate to get another, under the proper circumstances (well maintained, reasonable miles, reasonable price) of course.
Why? The engine is powerful, quiet and fairly efficient. The ride is smooth, the handling very good. And the prices are extremely low compared to its original cost as well as to similarly aged MB's (the only real competitor in the wagon).

There is no reason in my opinion to EXCLUDE the 960/V90 from your list of possible models.

Good luck

Dr. Chip
Westchester County NY
98 V90

Of course this is a subject for another forum and really shouldn't be discussed here on the technical site; but, I feel I should let you know mileage is definitely not your friend because you pay through the nose for labor. And I have yet to see a "mint car" with 190k on the odo unless it's been restored.

Good luck on your search.

I would always lean toward 940s because of their practicality, however this sounds promising... Go for it!