Hi all,

Trying to overcome my ignorance about the FWD Volvo platforms - have a young relative whose '91 740 is reaching its end days and needs a replacement. She liked driving it and would like another Volvo, but I'd like her to get something more modern and reliable and with better mileage. P80 platform seems like a good bet and there are plentiful seemingly-sound candidates available in her price range, but she needs an automatic and my limited knowledge of their reputation is that the auto 'boxes in these were problematic, at least in certain years. Can anyone give some guidance on what's good to look for?

From what I can tell so far, 2000MY with the 5spd auto is one to avoid, and early year 850s are troublesome too, but we'd probably skip those anyway due to their age. We're planning to look at a 1997 850 and 1999 S70, both non-turbo automatics with reasonable miles (120-130k), but on dealer lots with no known maintenance history. Any bets on what kind of life can be expected from those, at that mileage? Worth avoiding altogether?

Other tips on what years/models to search for with these? I understand '99+ has a more complex electrical system and possible ETM issues, though it seems like there are good solutions for that so not a deal-killer if the car is right. We're also going to look at a pretty nice '96 960 sedan in the same price/mileage range, but it seems like the FWD P80 cars are a better option overall (unless someone has an opinion to the contrary?). Other main candidate I've proposed is a Taurus/Sable, which I like driving and think are pretty solid vehicles, but the future owner in question seems set on a Volvo - perhaps I shouldn't argue!

Thanks in advance.
--
George, Seattle WA

The 5 speed trannies through 2003 are a problem. One of the real problems with the auto trannies is the failure to flush the fluid at the 100K mark, corporate policy was to not flush.

The 96-99 cars with the 4 speed auto were fairly reliable, so long as a teenager didn't beat it up.

Ignore 2001-2002 Volvos of any model. Any Volvo with a T6, ignore as the twin turbos cooked the wiring in the engine compartment.

Don't be afraid of the light pressure turbos in Volvos, they are not problematic. And give a better ride with decent MPG, 28 highway and 23 around town.

The Ford Taurus also has tranny problems.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

1996-98 are the safest bets. Other years are usually fine too with the possible exception of the 93 850's and the 2000 S/V70's with the 5 speed automatic only. Interestingly, the turbo model 2000 cars have the bulletproof 4 speed auto.

For example, my 95 850 with 249k has its original transmission with no issues. My 90 240's AW70 tranny was leaking pretty regularly by that stage of its life. I converted my 850's auto tranny to synthetic fluid and I suggest your relative consider doing the same. In general, they are pretty good slushboxes.