I see you got a lot of good advice already and I echo the lament for the dearth of manual trannies in the 740/940 series after 1991. See my site at http://billgarland.mcmaster.ca/volvo/volvohome.htm for a list of which cars had what trannies. I spend years looking for a clean manual 740 wagon that I could afford before I found one.

However, I try to keep an open mind and I have heard that the turbo is a better match to the automatic than the manual because the turbo tends to spool down between shifts. Anyone care to comment? Maybe the newer smaller turbos are not so prone to that.

Another notion I had was to import a late 945 with a stick from Europe. Has anyone investigated the possibility of doing that?

Bill

Although this is heresy on this board, the '95-'97 850s are not bad cars. They don't seem to have the problems of the early 850s or S/V70s. I'm sure this post will be followed by a torrent of messages to the contrary, but before you eliminate the FWD cars make sure you visit the AWD/FWD forum and hear what the actual owners have to say.

For max reliability, the 940 (or late 740) is unmatched. Plus it gives you features.

But you HAVE to sacrifice the manual transmission. No exceptions. I think that every 700/900 in 1992 was an automatic only. So, after 1992 (in the 'States) you get an automatic...

... or an automatic.

While the fun-to-drive aspect is lessened a little bit, the only manual you'd want would be the M46 transmission. The 5-speed is a good tranny, but unfortunately they are chronically under-maintained and as a result, they are short lived as well. I have suffered that fate before on one of my personal cars, substituting a better used trans in the car.

The benefits of a later 700/900 are huge, however.

First, they will have either single airbags (up to 1993) or duals (94-95).

The air conditioning is factory equipped with R134a in 1993-1995 models.

All 740/940 (and all RWD) models from 1992-1995 have automatic locking differentials. This is a nice feature.

1993-1995 940 models exclusively had AW71 or AW71L transmissions.

In 1992, Volvo introduced side impact protection system, and introduced pyrotechnique [sic] seat belt pretensioners, which work in conjunction with the airbag system to hold occupants in place. Also coupled with better, bigger headrests in both 740 and 940 models.

Antilock brakes are standard in 1992 and up. Across the board.

I would say not to get too close to the earlier 850 models like 1993. They aren't the car that the 940 is. But if you want a 5-speed, either you have to find one of the rare, later 740s with one, or an 850. That's about the jist of it.

There are a lot of compelling reasons to get a later 700/940. But if an automatic is out of the question, forget it.
--
1992 940 wagon, 72k
as well as others.

The number of manuals declined each year until 1992, when they went to zero with the 940 series. You will have a challenging time finding a manual wagon newer than 1990.