I completely agree with this.

We have a 1997 960 with 241k miles and while it is and has been a good car, it is much more complex and difficult to work on than a 240. A 240 is an ideal car for DIY, while in my opinion the 960 is not unless you are fairly experienced and have access to a decent collection of tools. As Volvo cars become newer, systems become more complex. If I couldn't fix it, our 960 would have easily cost us $4k or $5k in maintenance in the 5 years we've owned it.

The red block engines in the 240 series are extremely robust and more tolerant of a lax maintenance schedule than the 960. The red blocks are also far more tolerant of maintenance errors. Screw up a timing belt on a (most)red block and it's not a big deal. Screw one up on a 960 and there goes your engine.

Heck, even something like removing the cam cover on a 960 is a major job.

An additional factor with the 960 is the fact that parts are beginning to become scarce.

Don't get me wrong -- it's a great car and we love ours (most days), but don't fool yourself into thinking it's as easy or easier to maintain than a 240. If you're not a good DIY mechanic or have $ to burn on maintenance, I'd stay away.