Help! I've been shopping for an early 1990's 740 or 940, but today a 1993 960 fell into my lap (on a Volvo dealer lot). It looks mint (I don't use that term lightly) and has 112k miles. However, I just read the 960 FAQ page on the brickboard and got a bit scared. Is the 960 really that much of a headache? I don't want to spend $10,000 and then be in for some major mechanical trouble. I will definitely have a private mechanic check it out, but am I still asking for trouble? Please, what are your thoughts?

Shawn

I also recommend the car, having a 92 965. I absolutley love the car, although I must admit some of the model's potentially catastrophic problems has caused some anxiety along the way. The most important advice I can give you is to find a very competent mechanic who has worked on these cars and go over it with a fine tooth comb. From the FAQs you can pretty much provide a list of those things to check. If you can leave the car overnight, let the mechanic pressure check the cooling system when the bolck is cold. But don't forget to look at fender bolts out of align, suggesting a front-end crash. As I have said before to others, there is always some reason these cars are being sold, so be careful. Don't trust the fact that it is being sold by a dealer, unless you have long and good experience with them. Good luck!

In my opinion it depends on weather you like the power and other goodies enough to put up with the potential relability issues. However, the timimg belt is so easy and cheap to replace that there is no reason to worry about it. If you feel nervus about the belt just change it. The basic engine should last forever given its construction. It won't tolerate loss of coolant as the aluminum can't stand temperature like cast iron can. The engine begs to be "driven" and will be heathier if driven in a style that uses the power occasionally.

At 112K the problematic intake manifold gasket probably has already been changed. Should be a a greenish aluminum color, not redish orange.

If you like power go for it!

Thanks for your input. I like the power and the goodies enough to tolerate the additional risk. I am having them put on a new timing belt before I even take it (only $200). Wish me luck!

Shawn

I wish you a long and happy relationship with your new car! Is it a wagon,965, or sedan, 964?

Shawn:

Purchased a 1992 960 about a month ago....It kind of fell in my lape like yours....There is a lot of controversity out their on this car...a lot of cars with few problems and some with many....If I were making the decision again I would not purchase.....Mine came from Florida in mint condition..

70,000 miles....But found out it had a new Head put on at 50,000 miles..

Timing belt at 65,000 miles

I am comitted to the car for a least a year...keep your fingers crossed

Let me know if you purchased!

don

My '93 ran flawlessly until 85,000 miles or so (when it got totalled out from under me by someone who ran a stop sign and t-boned it. no-one hurt fortunately). Aside from tune ups and oil changes all I did was put front rotors on it and changed the timing belt (recommended at 30,000 mile intervals)

I replaced it with a '95 960. All I've done with this one is put gas in it.

Good luck,

bob