Been driving my 960 '95 for 2 years now. Previous owner traded this in for a BMW 735i. You guys are right. This is a very expensive car to maintain. I also constantly live in fear that something bad and expensive to fix, will happen next.
Mileage is only 83,000+ miles but the fear is there. Since I've seen the postings on this forum on the fraility of this engine, I have never driven the car more than 70 mph. Also I try to keep my mileage to below 60 miles per day. So far I've kept every service interval and done whatever needs to be done e.g. timing belt change etc. One of the reasons for its questionable reliability could be that most of the engine parts are sourced from various manufacturers e.g. my mechanic found the Renault logo on the engine block.
Today I have finally made a difficult decision ..... I'll get rid of the Volvo and buy Japanese. I've never owned a Japanese car in my life, only German cars previously (had a Volkswagen Golf and a BMW 730i). From what I have heard, Lexus is quite a problem free car. In fact, I'm told Japanese cars are generally reliable and not expensive to maintain. Will probably end up trading the 960 for a GS 300 (we don't have the GS 430 in Singapore). What I want is a car that would give me peace of mind and not one that you constantly drive in fear.
It is sad that this is going to be my very first but last Volvo.
Randy Choo
Singapore
'95 960 83,000 miles. Up for sale!
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