I haunt the RWD forum since I have a 1990 745. I am considering replacing it with a 1998 XC or similar. We need(?) a comfy wagon for cross country trips and since this will be my wife's car, the extra ride height, the AWD and the general superior level of safety of the XC is a definite plus is a definite plus. However, safety also means not breaking down in the middle of the night on the highway, so reliability is a must for us. We are in snowy Canada.

I just test drove a 1998 XC with 200,000 km. It was in great shape and was a treat to drive, especially today with icy snow coming down. Cool machine. The lambda warning light was on. The rear mufflers looked sound but had a lot of surface rust. No creaks or rattles, suspension was nice and tight, steering felt good, lots of pep. Nice and quiet at speed. Popped the hood; nice and clean there, idles quietly. No rust or signs of damage on the body anywhere. Asking price is $10,900 Canadian. It has a beefy trailor hitch. The seller is a small used car lot that sells only executive type cars and had been there for years. The price seems a bit low so I wonder where this will be a money pit or not. I can do a lot of my own work but I am not familiar with the FWD/AWD newer Volvos. I would have it checked out by my local indy who I trust, based on past good work and honesty in the past.

Should I consider it or should I hold out for a nice 965 should one ever come up on the market here in Southern Ontario?

I know this is a common question but a word from you experts could save a soul a lot of grief. Thanks in advance.

Bill
--
Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve