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My mother wrecked her 92 740 Turbo and I'm having it fixed for myself. I have located a 96 960 with 58K miles. The only think I can find that is NOT working on the car is the ACC Servo. The air vents in the dash go away on acceleration.
They are asking $8500 negotiable. The 740 was such a GREAT car for Mother. Is this an tremendously expensive repair on the 960? And, will this car make a reliable car for her? She is 74 and doesn't drive a whole lot. We're also looking at a 2000 S70, but she doesn't want to spend quite that much.
Thanks for any advise!
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Low miles thats good, bought mine 2 years ago with 110,000 for 8,800, good car, had to do the A/C evaporator and at 137,500 just did timing belt other then that oil changes.
--
1996 964 137,600 Miles
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My mother is 74 and makes mostly road trips through the country. The only thing I have found anywhere near Dallas would be a non turbo car. She drives WAY too fast and is accustomed to the Turbo, so I think a non-turbo would probably be dangerous (she likes to out run all the other grandmothers...I'm not kidding on this one). The way she drives...I'm sure the valve sticking problem would be a non-issue.
I would go ahead and have the timing belt changed ahead of time for her. The A/C problem was my main concern. The car is navy/cream and is in great physical condition. at 58K...it has sat a lot, so I assume that's why the servo went out.
I value all other opinions!
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With only 58K that car is a baby. If she does not put many miles on it during a year, then I might look at something in a Toyota or Honda. More reliable though much less fun to drive. I give Volvo an edge in safety and longevity. If the car sits most of the time, you are not getting the best the car has to give. But it will leave the other grandma's in the dust.
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This will be her 8th Volvo. I really don't see her in anything else. I'm selling my 300E to take the Turbo Wagon (130K, fully serviced always with synthetic oil). I'm sure it won't be a problem to teach her how to do "Italian" tuneups...and I'm sure the transmission will stay on "Sport".
It needs tires and the vacuum valve fixed. I think $7500 might be a good offer on it...at least to start.
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Who will be doing the repairs? If this car is at a dealer who's shop you trust, I'd ask to have the vacuum motors replaced as part of the deal. Also, check the color of the intake manifold gasket. If it is red/orange, it will probably fail within the next 20K miles. If it is silver/green, it has already been replaced and will probably last for a long time.
--
'96 965 with 16' wheels at 102K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.
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regarding: "check the color of the intake manifold gasket. If it is red/orange, it will probably fail within the next 20K miles. If it is silver/green, it has already been replaced and will probably last for a long time."
Is this applicable to earlier (than '96) 960s as well? TIA
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The car belongs to a private individual. I'm going to request to look at the service records and history on the car. The people inherited the car and have driven it for about a year. The wife got a new car and they have no room for this one.
I will definitely take a look at the manifold gasket. I'm going to make a few calls and check on the price of the vacuum repair. My mechanic is excellent with Mercedes...but I don't know about his experience with 960s.
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In reading the posts my first thought was the valve sticking issue when you said she was 70 and didn't drive a lot. If you "borrow" the car on occasion and give it the "Italion tune-up" that shouldn't become an issue. (Use low gear and hold the RPMs above 5K for 5 minutes or so.)
The '96 year seems to have been the better vintage year for the series. (First year issues, after major redesign, out of the way but before the "end of the line" mentality set in with the workers.)
The vacuum motors are made in England and maybe that's why they don't last, nine didn't. (You've heard of "Lucas, prince of darkness? I hope the British readers don't get too upset.)
Read the FAQs for background on the 960. That car is likely due for the "leaky intake manifold gasket gremlin.
I'm sure she will love the car if it doesn't cause maintenance problems.
--
'96 965 with 16' wheels at 101K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.
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Then I say, go for it! The car is great. Comfortable, powerful, smooth. AND SAFE. Not many other grandmas will keep up!
The problem with the ACC is a very common issue. Not a reason to avoid this particular 960. (I bought mine with a leaking vacuum motor and paid quite a bit more for a car with more miles, but it is a wagon.) It may be a negotiating point on the price. I would still recommend the synthetic fluids, and suggest that you have the car checked out by a good mechanic familiar with the 960.
-Steve
--
1986 745 w/ M46 200K since new, 1995 965 104K
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posted by
someone claiming to be Volvo Guy
on
Tue Apr 29 10:52 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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I have a 95 960, and it is extremely comfortable and safe. However, there were few of the 95-98 960's made, and as a result, parts can be scarce and as a result expensive from Volvo. The engine is an interference one, so the timing belt must be changed religiously. I believe the 960 is an excellent but expensive car for those who will maintain them by the book and who can do some of the basic work themselves. Might not be the car for your mother as it could become an expensive solution.
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If the 740 was great for her, why not go for a '94 or '95 940? They are basically the same car. I really like my '95 960, but it is more tempermental than the 940/740. I would guess that she doesn't want to be bothered by reparing the car more often and is not really interested in the power/handling of the 960. Also, the 940 should be able to handle short/infrequent trips better than the 960 which likes long highway trips. (This comment stems from the fact that the 960 is prone to sticking valves if driven gently and only for short trips.) But if you use synthetic motor oil and transmission fluid in the 960 and stay on top of timimg belt changes, you should be OK. Just my 2cents. I hope that you find a car that she will enjoy.
The dash vents on the 960 are not cheap to fix if done at a dealer. Usually the problem is a failed vacuum motor. Call the dealer and get an estimate, if you can figure out which one has gone bad. The FAQ under features describes ways to repair or get around the problem. I replaced the recirculation vacuum motor on my 960.
-Steve
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I too hope for a quick response on this, as I am also looking at a 96 960. It was garage kept, and has 82K. They want 8K.
The only thing that I have heard on 960's is that certain years were prone to repair problems - also if we get these cars, no more fudging on the timing belt replacement. It is an interference type motor.
Andrew in AL
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