I would second what Poolman had to say. I've owned Volvo's since the 122s from the 60's. The 960's have one of the smoothest and power efficient motors ever built.I have a 92 960 wagon with 180,000 and a 96 960 Wagon with 85,000. The 96 produces more HP and torque at lower RPM but gets worse gas mileage (20-24) than 92 (22-28). The 96 handles fantastic with the rear transverse fiberglass leaf spring (ala' Corvette). Had to replace front antisway bar tie rod ends at 60K however.

Some cars also have rear main seal leakage at about 70-80K like experienced by the Volvo 5cyl. cousin.

Both cars drive me nuts with their electronic W-S-E transmissions. Currently my transmission lights are flashing on my '92 and my wife can't get an inspection sticker because her PNP switch caused her engine light to go on one cold morning. The code was erased a month ago, the engine light has been out but our it still won't pass inspection because the OBD II computer still hasn't rebooted. Our Volvo mechanic tell us we have to drive it at 45mph for extended periods daily to reboot the computer. Almost makes me want to return to my computerless, spartan, noisey, hot but simple to maintain 122s.

I also religiously change the timing belts to avoid the above described catastrophe.

But when their are no lights flashing on the dashboard you can't find a smoother, more powerful, heavier car more economical car on the road. Did I mention my 92 with 180K only uses 1 quart of Mobil 1 for every 10K between changes? Recent compression test showed all cylinders within 7lbs in the 170lb. range.