Read other postings AND corresponding section under 700/900 FAQ at this website, particularly as regards problems with 960 cars. CHECK TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FOR ANY SIGNS OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATING, BLOWN RADIATOR, ATF IN COOLANT TANK AND/OR CONSEQUENTLY DETERIORATED COLLANT HOSES. If these check out OK, drive down the price of the car mercilessly because now you know the present owner is unload on you maintenance costs he cannot possiby afford, but you MUST do the following. Buy an engine wiring harness from General Patton. Do what it take to convince him to make you one. Also put in the best transmission oil radiator you can buy (perhaos Volvo) and fill the transmission with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. For good measure install an oil temperature gauge for the transmission perhaps in a pillar pod from MVP. Make sure that ATF temperature remains well below 300 degree Farenheit particularly when you drive up mountains or otherwise put considerable stress on the transmission. Don't get out of bed in the morning before you read this website, particularly under RWD/900. Then, you will be OK. Remember, if you buy, buy cheap because the present owner is trying to unload on you maintenace costs and headaches he cannot afford unless he is a Brickboarder. I have seen a 1996 960 going for $10,000. Anybody with a 1995 or 1996 960 will tear your arm off if you offer $12,000, regarless of what they say, because they cannot afford to maintain the car. --
Rafael