Best place for you to check out is the 700/900 FAQ, available from the drop-down in the top right of every brickboard page. One section of it is "Buying a 700/900."

Best best these days is deciding whether you want (or need) a Turbo model, or if the NA (normally aspirated) model is powerful enough for you. Then look for the newest one you can find.

Personally I'd recommend a late 740GL (90-92) or 940 GL if the turbo is not a requirement. They're roomy and super comfortable.

The Turbo models will be a bit more maintenance intensive. Blue or black smoke will be an indication of work needed, likely expensive work relating to the turbocharger itself. Basically though, they're just about as bulletproof as the NA models.

Generally a nice latemodel turbo (91-95 940) will be the most expensive of the group, but still reasonably priced in today's used car market. Note that you are considering a car that's at a minimum, 11 years old. They're all going to need something.

One nice thing with them is that rust is rarely an issue, even in areas of the country where it's a problem. Still, it's well worth your time with any purchase to have it looked over, on a lift, by a Volvo-specialty shop that knows what to look for. Sometimes a real bargain can turn into a real headache: true with any car. Have it checked out professionally.

BTW we love our 90 745... comfortable long-distance cruiser.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 92 244-M47-208K ::: Bilsteins, Turbo swaybars, Virgos, Lowered, Group A wing, Tach, 6-Disc, Satellite Radio, Keyless Entry ::: Coming Soon: B-Cam!