Am consolidating and wanted to get the forum's view on which Volvo wagon is best. I have a 97 auto V90 with around 180,000 miles and an 89 manual 740 wagon with around 110,000. Both need tires, the 740 needs a new ac compressor and the v90 needs rotors. No other issues at present. My gut tells me the 740 is going to be better over the long haul, but I have liked the v90 as it is more comfortable on long trips. My foray into new volvos - the V90 and a previous 850 - has tended to be expensive so I am a bit spooked at getting rid of both and getting something much newer. Want to have a reliable wagon that does well on a regular maintenance diet rather than repairs. Had also thought about splurging on a 2004-06 R wagon, but am fearful of all the electronics. Would appreciate your thoughts.

I would keep the 740. Without a doubt the V90 is the nicer car, more powerful and refined, with some worthwhile additional safety features, but in the long run, (the next 100-200K miles) the 740 will be MUCH cheaper to operate, probably more reliable, and when something does go wrong, you will be much more likely to be able to take care of it yourself.

The V90 has an interference engine--if the timing belt breaks, it bends lots of valves. The B230 in the 740 is not an interference engine. If the belt breaks, you put a new one on and it runs again. That alone is worth a lot to me in terms of peace of mind.

Also, the 740 with manual transmission gets close to 30 MPG if you drive sensibly, whereas the V90 is hard to get out of the low 20s.

The 740 is one of the later models that the Volvo legend was built on, the V90 is the same body but has a lot more in common with the new-generation cars mechanically.

Thank you Blue Horse. I really do appreciate your input. Based on that info the v90 is going and the 740 is staying. Have a great new year!

Keep the 122.....
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George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Second that one
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EJO now a 1993 944T 197K; ex '65 123S; ex '75 245; and ex '81 242GT; also 2001 Kia Sportage, Chrysler 2002 T&C and 2006 MINI Cooper