I'm soon to be turning in my VW lease and I think I've decided on a Volvo 9XX if I can find a nice one that won't be a money pit and cost under $9k.

Would prefer a wagon, but a nice sedan would be OK too.

What's the difference between the 940/960? Is it that the 960 has a 6 cyl? Were some (but not all) 940/960's turbos?

Is it true these RWD models are usually less costly to maintain than 850's?

What are some things I should look for, model years to avoid, etc?

I plan to take the car to an indy mechanic before purchasing. Seems alot of these mid 90's cars are around 130k miles, is that not too bad on a well cared for Volvo? We have some very clean-looking used Volvos here in Arizona, they don't see any harsh weather like the northeast.

Thanks for any advice!

In general, the simpler the better later in life. The newest RWD cars were 1998 model S90 and V90 (sedan and wagon, 90-series, meaning the rebadged 960). The later model (96+) cars are pretty rare but are available if you are patient.

The 960/90 was the flagship of the fleet. It had more power than any previous Volvo, and only a little less than the 222HP of the 850 Turbo. All the 960s used the B6304 engine in the USA: 2.9L, 24-valve inline 6. Very good solid engine design; it shares all its internals with the 850/70 series 5-cyl and the S40/V40 4cyl.

The 940 and 940 Turbo are related cars, and like the 960 are basically an outgrowth of the 700 platform. They both use a 2.3L 4-cyl. The 940 has the 115HP standard engine (B230F), the 940T the 160-HP B230FT.

Transmission choices are essentially the same, 4-speed non-electronic automatic for both 940 and 940T- the T gets a heavier-duty version of the same trans. The 960 uses a more modern, electronically managed 4-speed auto.

All in all the 960 is a more refined, powerful luxurious car. The 940T is a close second. The 940 base can still be a very nice car and some are very well equipped- but expect it to be a less exciting car due to the lower power.

My advice: read the FAQ here (Buying a 700/900), do your reasearch on the car you choose, have it looked over by a Volvo shop without exception, and don't settle for a car with an adverse history, i.e. accident victim or previous blown engine, that kind of thing. These cars are almost always rock-solid mechanically and shouldn't need say, an engine or trans at less than 200K miles.

Good luck with your search. See www.theautowerkes.com for some possible available cars, and also www.bargainnews.com, both are in Connecticut and a good comparison point at least.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 234K, '82 245T/M46-182K, '89 244DL/AW70- 212K Not too distant past: 86 244DL 215K, 87 244DL 239K, 88 744GLE 233K, 88 244GL 147K, 91 244 183K

Rob, thx for the info.

I'll keep an eye out for a 940T, or 960, the later year the better. And I've got a recommended Volvo shop to have check the car over.

Was leather standard on all the 9XX cars? Also, was WHIPS built into the seats yet in the 9XX years?

My wife has always wanted a Volvo, but this will actually be my car... I'm hoping it's a good experience, because I'd like to get her one also and be a 2 Volvo family. (Her lease ends 8 mos after mine does)

LHenry,

I used to live in Phoenix, used to take my cars for repair/inspection/recycled parts to Hirsch Industries which is just south of the airport, easily accessed from I-10, 48th St. exit I believe and head north the yard is on the right side. They know their stuff frontward and backward. Can't remember the head mechanic's name but he did alot of my repairs and spent the time with me to explain what he did.

Their labor prices are also reasonable, more recently I directed another Brickboarder there (his son actually, in an accident far away from home). Hirsch got the car whipped back into shape (broken mirror and tailight among other things) in a few hours and they were back on the road to college somewhere in the mid west, considering the situation they could have been taken advantage of (which another shop was going to do)...I think the hourly charge was like $50 or so but don't quote me on that.

I just may be moving back in the next 6-9 months, one of the big moving points is the fact that Hirsch is there. (but I do most of my own work now).

Good luck with the car search. Not sure if anyone mentioned before but be sure the timing belt maintenance has been done on the 960/S90/V90 if you go that route. A broken belt = expensive repair. 940 (4 cylinder) cars should have no damage if the belt breaks. Also, considering your local, be sure the A/C is working properly it's an expensive repair. Make sure the top vents blow cold when accelerating, especially in a 940 Turbo.

Bean
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'80 242GT 93k, '94 945T 139k, '89 765T 68k (new '94 B230FT)

No doubt that A/C is critical here in the desert! Are you saying the 940/940T in particular are known for A/C problems, or any of the 9XX models? That's one concern I had about Volvo in general, whether the A/C is good enough for the heat we have here.

Thanks for the info on Hirsch. I'm in Mesa, so it'd be a bit of a drive, but if they're really good, it may be worth it. There's a place in north Mesa recommended here on the shops page, and my wife's friend, a long time Volvo fan, also has a recommended Volvo mechanic in the east valley. Once I get the name I'll have to post it here.

Just brought home a totally mint S90 with 70K miles.
I have had several 740 cars (an 88 and a '90 16V)and this car is much more refined. It is replacing a '91 240 which I hate to part with.
The S90 is a hybrid, to me, in that I see similarities to the S70 as well as the 740.

Expecting many years of service.

S'V'