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Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by Kostas Kritsilas on
Saturday, 19 April 1997, at 7:59 p.m.
I am thinking that I would like to buy a used Volvo. I presently own a ~10 year old American car, and will soon begin a search for something to replace it. I have seen 740s, 850s, and 960s on the road, and the 960 appeals the most. After reading the archives on the BrickBoard, I would like opinions on the following:
1. What are the changes between the early 960s (<1994) and the later ones? 2. Is the engine an inline 6, or a V6? I was under the impression a V6 ( common engine block to Volvo, Renault, and Peugeot). 3. While probably heavier than the 740 series, how is the car in terms of performance, reliability, and general handling? 4. Anything to keep an eye out for when looking for a car? 5. Is mileage less of a concern with Volvos than with American cars?
Thnak you for any information
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by carlos taboada on
Friday, 25 April 1997, at 12:06 a.m.
kostas: good idea,buy a VOLVO,THE 960 HAS A INLINE 6 cyl engine DUAL OVERHEAD CAMS and 24 valves,4 per cyl.all aluminum engine, very light, and the best... no peugeot, no renault,pure volvo pure swedish blood,more or less, depends on you how many Km you can drive this car, but over 300.000 for shure. Not this car,but an older one 760 '88 I saw it click 745.000. A used car buy, you feel it, mostly in a volvo, if you like what you see, buy it.Check service records, oil changes for a 960 is once every 8000 Kms or 6 months.no service records do not buy it,make a dealership inspection(71 points) or Volvo select inspection, a Volvo mechanic know where to look for problems(no, not in the BAR, in the car) chao .. carlos taboada.
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by JH on
Friday, 25 April 1997, at 12:15 a.m.
We own a 1994 960 wagon. We love it. The power and handling is superb. At 70mph the rpms are approx 2500. This car makes hiway driving effortless.
I've driven 850s and the S70 (loaners). I like the heavier feel of the 960. I think the 1995 960 has 20 less HP and a split rear axel. Engine is inline 6. I test drove a 1994 940 and it's underpowered. Warranty is something to consider too. Most Volvo's have 4 years or 50K. Only minor problems with our 960.
Get one!
jh
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by Shatz on
Friday, 25 April 1997, at 1:13 p.m.
ell, I guess I'll add my two cents. Been awhile since I've had the time to read or write here. I also own a 960 (92) and love it. It is most at home on the highway and just lops along at 70+ if you dare. I have had no problems with the car to date (Bought it used just over a year ago with 24K on it, now at 40. The newer 960s had several major refinements made to them including those mentioned above. The earlier ones like mine, while very comfortable and well-performing, don't have quite the decadence (trim & finish) of the newer ones.
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by Theddy Cassaras on
Monday, 28 April 1997, at 3:23 p.m.
In reply to your qestions:
1. New front suspension, replaced by a new modified 850 front suspension. Rear suspension, called Delta Link, modified and even better than before. The width between the wheels is increased by 30 mm, and the rim profile is altered. This improves performance on the road up to top class.
2. Straight 6 cyl engine in two versions; 2,5 lit 170 HP and 3,0 lit 204 HP. The 2,5 lit engine will be replaced in -97 by a 3,0 lit 180 HP. The 2,5 lit engine needs more gasoline than the bigger one, about 1 lit more per 100 km, so it was no success. The old V6 engine from Renault died with the 760 model. The new 960 engines are constructed and built by Volvo. One of the conditions when constructing the engine, was that it should be able to run at least 200.000 km without anything else than normal service.
3. The car handles like a baby, easy to drive, no other car in this size can make a turn as sharp as the 960, which makes it easy to park and handle in small spaces, in spite of it's size. The performance under tough winter conditions is absolutely outstanding, almost unbeleavable, provided youv'e got the right tires on. It feels almost against nature's law that a car whith this construction (heavy front engine, back wheel drive) behaves like this on snowy roads. This car is a joy to drive, anytime anywhere.
4. Check camshaft belt, must be changed every 120.000 km (from -95 year model). Check for oil leak between engine and gearbox. The brake discs tend to get warped, which results in vibrations when hitting the breaks. Check the steering for noice or vibrations when steering full left or right. In spite of what is stated in service recommendations, the automatic gearbox needs an oil change every 75.000 km, if this is not done anytime by 150.000 km, I would not buy the car.
5. If you treat your Volvo with care and keep it in good condition, I don't think anyone can say how long it will run. Compared to American cars? I don't know.....
In my Taxi Company, wev'e had about 150 960:s rolling since 1995. Some of them have reached 400.000 km or more, and I have never heard of anyone having engine troubles so far. I'm in on my second 960 now, a special version called 960 3,0 EXECUTIVE, 15 cm longer than a normal 960, and with all options you can think of. This is Volvo Top of the Line!
Anything you want to ask, don't hesitate to mail me! Good Luck Theddy
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by Shatz on
Thursday, 1 May 1997, at 10:38 a.m.
Thanks for the additional information about the 960. I take their use as a taxi to be a strong vote of confidence! What kind/brand of snow tires to you recommend to winter driving, or are you saying a well-selected all-season radial will perform as well as a snow tire? My 960 has the original Michelins right now. These are OK, but I know they weren't highly rated in CR tests.
Now all I need to do is convert your kilometers to miles! Its 1.6 k . to 1 mile?
Re: Volvo 960s[ALL/1998] posted by Theddy Cassaras on
Thursday, 1 May 1997, at 5:04 p.m.
First, your'e right about 1,6 kilometers to 1 mile.
As to winter tires, we have another tradition here in Sweden (I live in Gothenburg where they make the 960! Volvo is also one of my biggest customers.) than in the States, due to the rough winter season here. We will probably get a new law stating that you must have winter tires during the winter season. Facts about winter/summer tires are as follows:
- There is no such thing as an all season tire. The most important thing about winter tires is not the rougher look of the tire, it is the different mix of rubber. Summer tires get hard like plastic when the temperature falls, you don't get any grip at all. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber mix, which stays soft so you can get the necessary grip in the road surface.
- Disadvantages: You can't use them for more than say three - four seasons, they get harder by time and loose their ability to grip, and you also get less mileage out of them because they are softer. Still, good winter tires are a very cheap life insurance!
- A lot of people have winter tires with studs, some people prefere studless tires. I have used studless tires for the last six - seven seasons, and I'll never go back to studs again. I use a winter tire called " Bridgestone Blizzak", which is a studless friction tire with small air bubbles within the rubber, they say that these replace part of the effect that studs give. True or not, these are the best winter tires I've ever used, the 960 performs beautifully on snowy roads with these tires. You must take it easy on clear ice though, but you'll get some grip even there. Maybe you can't get exactly these tires where you live, but try to get some kind of studless friction rubber tires. You'll experience the difference!
Theddy
150 Volvo 960 Taxis ![ALL/1998] posted by JH on
Friday, 2 May 1997, at 12:25 a.m.
with service info on 150 high mileage 960's I'm sure you could provide us with some usefull tips
Re: 150 Volvo 960 Taxis ![ALL/1998] posted by Theddy Cassaras on
Friday, 2 May 1997, at 2:46 p.m.
I'll be glad to help in any way I can! Just ask me what you want to know, and I'll try to get the answere for you. After all, I live in Gothenburg, Sweden, where they make the 960:s!
Theddy