1998 V70 T5 or 1995 960 Wagon???

mgambuzza · Post by **mgambuzza** » 20 Feb 2010, 21:30

I currently own a 1999 V70 AWD which my wife drives and I really enjoy driving when I get a chance (its tough loosening her grip on this vehicle since she sold her Chevy Tahoe for this vehicle).

I have a couple of potential buyers for my Suburban, and I am considering two vehicles - the ones titled in this post. The V70 T5 has 72k miles, and the 960 has 70k miles. Both seem in excellent condition, but I am torn between the satisfaction in performance on the T5, versus any potential reliability on either car.

I am looking to the "professionals" in this forum - owners of either vehicle in this timeframe - to get their opinions on either car and which may be the better vehicle for me. The Suburban has outlived its useful life, and instead of another one, I am looking to purchase another Volvo. Thank you to all in advance.

Post by **wheelsup** » 20 Feb 2010, 21:40

Some 960's had engine issues, notably the earlier models. I forgot where it ended, either 94 or 95 IIRC because the '96 I was looking at wasn't effected. There was a serial number set on the engine. Try googling Volvo 960 porous engine block or something similar to see what you come up with.

I don't know where you live but the 960 is RWD so if you live in an area that gets snow that might not be the best choice. I myself haven't driven in a 960 yet however always loved the way they looked, and I have been looking at them online lately. They seem even easier to work on over our 850/70 series cars.

mgambuzza · Post by **mgambuzza** » 21 Feb 2010, 05:13

The RWD on the 960 was a consideration, but I did grow up on RWD American autos (Impalas, Delta 88s, Malibus, Grand Ams, Roadmasters etc). The difference then was large V8s, studded snows, and in some cases Bias Ply tires. With a set of Blizzaks, I'm sure it would make a huge difference, along with the more mature driving techniques (compared with being a 16 year old driving in winter - almost 30 years later). I presume it will be no V70 AWD winter navigating comparison, but would handle well with the Blizzaks.

I appreciate the tip on the engine on the 960 - that was an issue I wasn't aware of - thank you and I'll do some research on that . Like I said I was looking at the repair histories, experiences (what shows on Consumer reports, etc sometimes doesn 't line up with actual owners experiences), as these are two different vehicles - even though similar mileage.

Should I also be looking at timing belt changes on the 960 - and would a low mileage 940 be a consideration(if one can be found)?

Post by **wheelsup** » 21 Feb 2010, 10:54

Not sure what the interval was on the 960 timing belt, read thru this it seems pretty detailed:

http://www.swedishbricks.com/700900FAQ/ ... t%20Change

Also some buying guides, the 960 seems full of problems

http://www.swedishbricks.com/700900FAQ/ ... d7xx1.html

960 specific issues:
http://www.swedishbricks.com/700900FAQ/ ... nformation

Truth be told I don't know anything about the 940 or really any of the RWD cars.

Post by **matthew1** » 21 Feb 2010, 21:59

Avoid the V6.

Post by **VCA** » 22 Feb 2010, 06:13

That's funny, I'm responsible for the care and feeding of both a 960 and a x70 T5! At similar mileage, and assuming a good report from an independent Volvo tech, I'd vote the V70, hands-down. Our 960 was well taken care of, but has had quite a few issues--the face vents on the A/C ($$$) quit blowing (it was either to the floor or the defroster), heater core failure ($$$$), A/C compressor failure, it's on its third instrument cluster, I've replaced power seat switch packs twice per side, cruise failed, antenna motor, etc. Underhood reliability has been very good, with just the usual maintenance and periodic replacement of items including belts and mounts...the water pump began to weep around 190k, and was replaced (car is now at 225k estimated).

The T5 has only been around two years, and while it required a little TLC on the inside (some trim, a few switches and some interior instrument panel lamps), underhood has been fine (it needed a motor mount and a PCV job).

From my working with the two interior systems, the x70s mechanicals are different from the 960's and less prone to failure. The underhood mechanicals have, in my opinion, been equally reliable (adjusting for age of the 960).