Hi all: Been driving and fixing 240's for 20 + years. My 1995 940 was just totaled. I don't know much about the S90's. Is it the same car just rebadged?. What years were they made? How are they to work on? Etc., Are the RWD? I see a 1998 S90 with 146K miles on it for $3,850. Is that a fair price? Any help would be appreciated... Thanks Mr. Tool. Now down to 3 Volvo's

I made the leap from 240 to 960 in May 2005. Never owned or even drove an "in-between" car like a 740 or 940. What a change, the wife loves it. Very quiet, so smooth that sometimes I must look at the tach to be sure it is running. She drives a 44 mile RT commute daily, gets 19-20 mpg (10% ethanol RUL).

Bought at 128,000 miles for $5,000 plus $700 for transport (got it on eBay) and title transfer and some small fixes. The transport driver did 950 miles freeway in 16 hours and got 25-26 miles per gallon. No way would I have bought the car sight unseen except that the seller provided complete maintenance and repair records from a Volvo dealer, back to 53000 miles.

There will be maintenance that can be more complex that you would prefer a shop to do. I have an independent shop that has done RWD Volvos for 15+ years. A recent post here indicates that a Volvo dealer may not even have a tech that knows what RWDs look like. Shop around.

The 960s were just 940s with the I-6 engine up to 1994. In 1995 the body ahead of the firewall was changed, and a few other body changes elsewhere. There were some engine changes, too, including a beefier timing belt. Many 740/740 things are the same, but I always check.

At 146K miles there should be a full belt change already done (timing belt, serpentine belt, both tensioners and idler). Failure of a timing belt, due to failure of the belt or the tensioner on the other belt breaking and getting into the T-belt) will cause severe engine damage. Minimum of bent valves, up to crushed pistons. If that service hasn't been done (70,000 mile cycle) you must do it, and should knock $1000 off the price, at min.

One thing to check is the power seats operation. Try every switch in every direction, moving the seat just a tiny bit. Not every direction may work, and if you move a seat forward it might not move back. BTDT

Also, if it has the moonroof, test it for leaks. The seal comes on the glass and must be replaced as a unit. $900 part.

Check around on eBay and Craigslist for other offerings. I would have preferred a V90 (newest and last of the RWD) but there was not one I could buy.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Yes, the V90's are hard to find, even here in NY.
The problem now becomes, what to replace this car with (probably in the next year or so). Only MB sells a rear wheel drive wagon. Haven't driven FWD Volvo';s, but I fear they will not be to my liking.
Will probably have to come to some conclusion in the next year..

Dr. Chip
Westchester County, NY.
98 V90 171,000 miles (and running beautifully)

I had an 850 turbo wagon and I actually liked that one the best. Just as reliable as any other Volvo I've had. My only complaint was the ride was a little harsh over bumps due to the reduced suspension travel, but otherwise it was great!

Dear anarchyx34
I have ridden in the 850, never driven. You are correct, it was fast and harsh as I recall. No so bad for me, but this is the family car.

Also trying to move into the Y2K era of cars for the same reason. Family values (how I hate that term)..

Thanks for your insights.

May test a T5 vs MB E350. Not interested in Audi or BMW, nor crossover SUV's that Caddy, Ford build.

Sincerely

Chip

I suggest only Volvo parts for anything related to the suspension, do not go after-market.
I had a 945 and 744, both non-turbo, so while the V may not be a BMW, it seems like one in comparison to past iterations of the platform. We live in a world defined by relativity.
While mine(98 V90) has been very dependable, it has not been without its minor annoyances. Lots of little things have needed to be addressed on a yearly basis (no surprise). Fix costs can be high.
Main point is good car, the price seems reasonable if OKd by thorough pre-purchase inspection. As with any premium car, generally not for the financially faint of heart.

Dr. Chip
Westchester County NY
98 V90 171,000 miles

While inherently the same car, under the skin they're quite different from redblock cars. For the most part they're just as easy to service as the redblocks (tuneups, belts, brakes, etc...) but certain areas can be a bit difficult. Fortunately they're things that rarely have to be touched (cam cover re-seal, rear differential, etc..). The driving experience is very different though. The inline-6 is smooth, quiet, and very torquey. Bear in mind though this isn't a fast car. Rather it's the type of car that likes to loaf around barely having to expend any effort in most driving conditions, but it doesn't really "come alive" when you boot it like a BMW engine for example.

I too had "red block" Volvos for 20 years, and picked up a '96 960 2 months ago, with 115,000 miles. I paid $2500 and then added another $1500 for tires, hoses, a/c condenser, front suspension bushings, brakes, fuel filter. PO had replaced the steering rack, ps pump, and radiator. Timing belt was done on time at 68,000. I've done all the work (except re-charging the a/c) myself and have found it to be easy to do (still cannot figure out how to get those inner door panels off, though). This car is a dream to drive. It handles better than my 945 that has Bilstein HD's and IPD swaybars. The engine at 70 mph is so smooth.
Marlin

S90 was 1998 only, RWD, a rebadged 960, which was then replaced by the FWD S80 in 1999. Good car. $3850 reasonable if in good condition but you could probably get a nice under 100k mile car for a couple thousand more.

early 1997 they were called 960
later 1997 and 1998 they were called S90/V90

I have a '97 S90 - Good Volvo virtues: short turning radius, solid feel, quiet. It's a sleeper Mercedes. I do prefer black gauges, though. The steering wheel is about 1/2" diameter smaller than my '93 240. I can feel the difference. The std limited slip differential works great as long as you don't pretend you're invincible in the snow. The heater warms up slower compared to the 240 but powerful when it's reached operating temp, the seat heaters take their time, too. It has a much better A/C system, though. Contradictions: good in Winter due to limited slip differential, but good in Summer due to chilly A/C, bad in Winter due to slow heater. Good headlights.

Engine power spools up fast enough in "S" mode on the transmission, it's there when you need it. It likes to run fast, like on the expressway. Mushy driving characteristics around the town in stop and go driving because of soft ride and nosedive during braking. The independent rear suspension sways a little too much as well, but that's a personal impression.

A very inviting car.