The timing belt in early model 960 is clearly a maintenace issue, but I don't see that as problematic. A risk, certainly, as the consequences of a brokedn one is catastrophic. Natalie's assertion of paranoia coming standard with every 960 applies here! You need to go into a purchase knowing that change interval is 30K and no more. Real issues that appear to have surfaced are the block porosity, intake manifold gasket and the ACC (?). None of these have been documented as wide spread by any stretch of the imagination, in my opinion.

I've had to change my AC compressor, but I consider that the luck of the draw, and my mechanic had never changed one.

I think part of the risk is that it is unlike any other Volvo made that preceeded it. It built with much more sophisticated engineering than any other RWD brick. I don't mean that as snob appeal, but inherent in this is greater risk of things going south. It is also Volvo first and last attempt at a high-end RWD, or even any Volvo (since I can't remember when the 850s were introduced), the Bertone and V6, notwithstanding.

I've Volvos since the early 80s, and like them. Beyond the safety and longevity, I've grown to know and understand what makes them tick. But I agree with BobR in another post in this thread, I've come to the conclusion that no Volvo is low maintenace. That's a gross overgeneralization that I accuse others of, so I'll give you that!
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John Shatzer, 97 V90 @ 90K; 92 965 @ 106e