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The 960, S90 and V90 from 1992 to 1998 all share one inline 6 cylinder engine. None has a V6 engine. Cams were changed on the engine around the middle of that period in favor of more low speed torque at the cost of some top end horsepower. Early engines required timing belt changes every 30,000 miles, late engine every 70,000 miles. If you buy the car, be sure to change the timing belt and its tensioner religiously. I suggest you do it every 25,000 miles with an unchanged early engine and every 50,000 miles in the late engines. You want to be safe rather than sorry. Suspension was also changed in 1995 in favor of better handling and roadholding, perhaps at the cost of more maintenance and repairs. This is a low production volume Volvo series that first introduced the "white" engines at a time when the company ran short of cash and cut back investment in making the cars reliable. The cars can be comfortable and perform well, but require careful preventive maintenance. Even then, they can be unreliable. Repairs are not cheap, but this is normal for new cars whether from Volvo, BMW, Mercedes or Audi. Before you buy, I suggest you search 960, S90 and V90, here at Brickboard and particularly 700/900 FAQ from the Features menu. Still, I prefer those cars to 5 cylinder cars like 850, S70 or V70. Perhaps more recent cars like the S80 are more desirable. Nonetheless, Volvo ran short of cash in recent years until Ford bought it. Car companies cut corners when they run short of cash. Perhaps Ford will renew Volvo. Until then, Mercedes, BMW and Audi offer better new cars.
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