I am looking at a 1992 940 wagon to buy. It has 177,000 and looks like new, but how about the timing belt and that sort of thing. When should it have been changed? How about the automatic transmission, how long do they last? I don't think there would be anything with the motor, but what is the "soft spots" of the car?

Don't stress about the timing belt. Its a non-interference engine. The timing belt is not a big thing even if you want to do it. Good Luck.

Martin:

Timing belts should be changed every 50k (b230f and b230ft)and the timing belt tensioner pulley every 100k. If cared for, the AW should last atleast 250k provided no weirdness occurs (entirely possible). The overdrive selenoid is close to dying if it has not already. If you like the car, the price is right, you enjoy working on them yourself and do not mind spending a little money to bring it up to snuff, buy it. I bought a 92 745t (essentially a 940 with 740 badges) and love it. I took some time, work and money to get it the way I like it but, to me, it was and still is worth it. As the other post said, check out the 700/900 FAQ (what a God send) so you will know what to expect.

Good Luck with you decision.

First of all, how long do you plan on keeping it? Look at the excellent 700/900 faq (linked at the top of the RWD index). It's just great. I spent some time printing it out while waiting for a server to install. It has good sections on buying, model-specific and system-specific maladies and rust.

If it's a long-term keeper, do the suggested preventative maintenance.

AT: An AW should last with proper maintenance, a ZF is probably nearing the end of its service life.

TBelt: If the engine's still running it's obviously fine now. Look in the FAQ or owners manual for change intervals, and in the paperwork to see when it was last done. Personally, unless I can find records of relatively recent renewal I just renew it anyway.

Softspots: interior trim (esp. doorpanels and headliner), AC, electrical gizmos.

Bram

Thanks Bram, the FAQ info is a big help. But do you know how I can tell which tranny a car has? It sounds like this should be my biggest concern. I plan on keeping it only a year or so (20,000 miles) and then up grading to a newer 940.

I don't think any of the 940s had the ZF22. You should be OK.

Goo luck with your purchase.