Worth repairing? or time to replace? 1994 960 wagon 160K mi.

[aconitum]

Hi, I have to make a decision tonight, to spend another 1K for repairs or to give it up and replace my 1994 960 wagon, which has about 160K miles on it and has been carefully maintained, with a new-to-me Volvo, or possibly some other car.
I've been spending about $1000/year on repairs over the past 5 years and it seems like more and more things keep breaking down.
This time, it's a number of components of the suspension system, which need to be replaced... the car started shuddering uncontrollably this evening and had to be towed to my trusty, reliable, and reputable mechanic...
REPLACE IT: This is not my favorite Volvo. It's big, drafty, fishtails easily on the ice, the seats have bad lumbar support, and if I push it back far enough for my long legs, it's too far back for my arm reach, and the seat cushions have gotten old and "sprung." It's an very bumpy ride, especially for anyone in the back seat. The hatch lock only works half the time. The chrome strips have come off the back and one side. I just replaced the driver's window crank and brakes, last year. The heat thermostat does not work right, you have to turn it on all the way to red to get warm and then it's too hot; there is a leak in the a/c hose which will cost $400 to replace next summer, if I decide to...My kid is a junior in high school so maybe it will be easier to buy a car now (when I have almost no debt and good credit) than to try to buy one after she starts college... I never get rid of a car until it is really ready to pass away... viz, my beloved 1976 240D which finally died in 1998 and had to be replaced with this second hand 960...
KEEP IT: The engine has been babied, very well maintained, and is in very good shape. It probably will go at least another 50K miles, which for me is about a year and a half, I bet, if the body holds up. There is a little bit of rust on the hatch and wheel wells, but not much. It's a Volvo. It's big and the seats fold down so it's great for hauling stuff. Maybe it's less expensive to keep a few years even if I have to pay $1K per year to maintain it?
Hmmm... well, maybe look at some ads...What would YOU do if this were YOUR car and you had to decide whether to repair it or replace it?

[writer100]

I don't think a $1000 a year is excessive. And it sounds like it will continue to go for a long time more. But I think you are answering your own question: it doesn't sound like you like the car.

Therefore, I vote for replace.

Alex

[billofdurham]

+1.

When I start finding fault with my car costs my wife always knows it is change time. As usual, she is right.

Bill.

[aconitum]

Thanks friends.... well, what I decided to do was to have my mechanic check out what else, if anything, was wrong... and, it turned out, the car also needs new brake rotors/pads, rear axle seals and bearings which are badly leaking fluid, sway bar links, and work on the heat/air system... and, did I mention, there is a break someplace in the electrical lines so the CD player doesn't work ... their advice was, see if one of the local charities will accept it as a donation, otherwise, they will scrap it for me... and they suggest buying a Japanese-made Toyota or Honda (since they know I won't buy an American car).... though I'm hoping for a new-to-me Volvo just bc I love Volvos.

so, here's my new question: I'm sure not buying a 960 wagon again, I never liked that car... what kind of not-too-old used Volvo should I buy that is sort of like my beloved 1976 240 D?

thanks!

[billofdurham]

Here's my question - rear wheel drive or front wheel drive?

I am a confirmed RWD lover although I now run an 850 with FWD and we have a love/hate relationship, mostly love.

The later model 940 is the only contender in the RWD stakes. Unfortunately, in the US they stopped in 1995. Elsewhere they were available up to 1998.

In FWD, if you are looking for an estate (wagon), you have the choice of 850, V70 or V40 if you are prepared to downsize.

Bill.

[Brazuca_ny]

get an 850 R if you can find one near you trust me its worth every penny, car is roomy comfortable ass hell and the responsiveness is impressive, also the v70R' s look great

[atefitty]

Hi, I have to make a decision tonight, to spend another 1K for repairs or to give it up and replace my 1994 960 wagon, which has about 160K miles on it and has been carefully maintained, with a new-to-me Volvo, or possibly some other car.
I've been spending about $1000/year on repairs over the past 5 years and it seems like more and more things keep breaking down.
This time, it's a number of components of the suspension system, which need to be replaced... the car started shuddering uncontrollably this evening and had to be towed to my trusty, reliable, and reputable mechanic...
REPLACE IT: This is not my favorite Volvo. It's big, drafty, fishtails easily on the ice, the seats have bad lumbar support, and if I push it back far enough for my long legs, it's too far back for my arm reach, and the seat cushions have gotten old and "sprung." It's an very bumpy ride, especially for anyone in the back seat. The hatch lock only works half the time. The chrome strips have come off the back and one side. I just replaced the driver's window crank and brakes, last year. The heat thermostat does not work right, you have to turn it on all the way to red to get warm and then it's too hot; there is a leak in the a/c hose which will cost $400 to replace next summer, if I decide to...My kid is a junior in high school so maybe it will be easier to buy a car now (when I have almost no debt and good credit) than to try to buy one after she starts college... I never get rid of a car until it is really ready to pass away... viz, my beloved 1976 240D which finally died in 1998 and had to be replaced with this second hand 960...
KEEP IT: The engine has been babied, very well maintained, and is in very good shape. It probably will go at least another 50K miles, which for me is about a year and a half, I bet, if the body holds up. There is a little bit of rust on the hatch and wheel wells, but not much. It's a Volvo. It's big and the seats fold down so it's great for hauling stuff. Maybe it's less expensive to keep a few years even if I have to pay $1K per year to maintain it?
Hmmm... well, maybe look at some ads...What would YOU do if this were YOUR car and you had to decide whether to repair it or replace it?

With the money your spending on repairs you could be driving a newer Volvo which of course will still cost $1000 a year to maintain...smile.
But you will be rolling in something much cooler to show off to your friends.

[atefitty]

Thanks friends.... well, what I decided to do was to have my mechanic check out what else, if anything, was wrong... and, it turned out, the car also needs new brake rotors/pads, rear axle seals and bearings which are badly leaking fluid, sway bar links, and work on the heat/air system... and, did I mention, there is a break someplace in the electrical lines so the CD player doesn't work ... their advice was, see if one of the local charities will accept it as a donation, otherwise, they will scrap it for me... and they suggest buying a Japanese-made Toyota or Honda (since they know I won't buy an American car).... though I'm hoping for a new-to-me Volvo just bc I love Volvos.

so, here's my new question: I'm sure not buying a 960 wagon again, I never liked that car... what kind of not-too-old used Volvo should I buy that is sort of like my beloved 1976 240 D?

thanks!

Well my 1997 850R is "sorta" like the 240, it still has that boxy look..I think the 850's are pretty reliable compared to any newer models..