I have a large family, and I need a nice used car to slot between my BMW E36 and Chevy Suburban. Was thinking a Volvo wagon since I've had good luck with European Cars (except an Italian one - but at least it resold well).

I'm not looking for speed, not looking for tinkering, just a nice solid wagon a bit bigger than the BMW sedan, that I would get serviced, change oil every 3k, check fluids, clean and drive reasonably. One day I will give the keys to one of my kids.

My first thought was an 850 non-turbo, since I cooked a turbo once even with proper maintenence, but with some slight looking also see 960's seem to be less $ than the 850's. My BMW experience says bigger car, bigger $ to get fixed. Is this true? Why are 960's less than 850's? I think I'm getting my money's worth if I find a somewhat clean wagon for $5k to $6k with 90,000 miles or so, am I barking up the right tree?

Thanks

It's counter-intuitive but I'd look for a turbo, since the engine is stronger, the block is reinforced, the crankshaft is forged, not cast and the exhaust valves are sodium-filled.

I'd be more concerned with mechanical condition and maintenance records than miles on the hull. Make sure the AC works since the evaporator is buried in the dash and $$$ to get at.

Avoid any Volvo with an inline-6 (the 960 AND the S80!!!)

I have accumulated about 3 pounds of maintenance receipts on mine over the years (!) but if you've kept an Italian performance car alive, a Volvo 850 should be a piece of cake for you!

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

940 turbo is the way to go. they are bullet proof. way easier to maintain than any 850.

I would avoid the 960 unless it is a turbo with the 4cyl engine. The 960s, V70s, and the V90s have a problem with the vinyl coming loose on the door panels - just looks terrible.
The 850s 95-97 are pretty good. Watch out for "sport" suspension, it feels rock hard, but the body doesn't lean in curves. The turbos that Volvo has is very reliable and makes a T5 very desirable. The timing belt needs to be changed every 70K miles and the AC evaporator tends to develop leaks. I just keep adding more R134a to the AC every spring.
Volvo makes the best wagon. Period.

Klaus
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(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Unless you do some serious hauling, don't get a Suburban. I agree w/ MIJ. Look for a '96 or '97 855 wagon. My '98 XC is real neat but it's just getting old all the normal wear things on it are, well, wearing. The 850's just don't wear down like that at least not from what I've seen. If you really would like a V70, '98's are the only one you'll find in the price range.
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'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL; Oh yeah, and a 96 Neon All over 120k

Late model 240, 740-RWD, slower, few repairs (great car for the kids)
Late model 850-FWD, sportier, likely more repairs

I have 850 and 240. Feel better with my daughter driving the 240 and it's cheaper to maintain.

'96 and '97 850's are the ones to look at as well as the '98 V70. I'm not sure about why the 960 is less expensive...but I would think that the 850/V series is just nicer all around.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.