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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
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