Looking to buy. Is there a particular year to avoid??

laleebee · Post by **laleebee** » 31 Mar 2004, 12:07

Hi there,
I have been looking for awhile now for a used volvo stationwagon. In a few of the listings that I have come across, people have mentioned "computer problems" with the cars. Is this a chronic problem with a particular year, or is this a problem in general with volvos that have a computer system. I found a 1995 Volvo 960. Does anyone know of any outstanding problems with this year??

Post by **matthew1** » 31 Mar 2004, 12:43

I've read the prefered engine for the 9xx series is the 4 cyl or 4 cyl turbo... so... 940 or 940 turbo. Something about the cams or valves with the 6. Perhaps someone here can chime in with more facts or firsthand knowledge.

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 31 Mar 2004, 17:54

Yes the V6 engine which was a joint design effort with Renault , Peugeot and Volvo is a poor engine. The cams do wear out and the engine has to be removed to replace them. The 4 cylinder is an excellent engine and the turbo version takes that reliability and adds much more power. The Volvo inline 6 cylinder engine is built to the same high standards as the 4 cyl. Just stay away from the V6.

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 31 Mar 2004, 23:43

Hi Volvord, does that apply to all 960s plus the S90? what year do you refer to? (95?)

92 960 · Post by **92 960** » 15 May 2004, 15:12

Hi, the 95 960 was the redesign that included multilink rear on the wagon model. Still used OBD 1, changed to OBD II the following year. Also the timming belt lasted longer (50K and later 70K) They really are great cars but need more attention than the 940. mainly the timming belt failure wich cost $$$$ to fix on this interfearence engine. The last of the rear wheel drive volvos, from 95 up, the cam profile was changed to add more power at low RPM's and is rated 180 HP , while the earlier ones are 200HP at 5000RPM. Plenty of power. The inline six was desinged by Porsche as a high-rpm, high speed autobahn motor to cruise along at tripple digits all day long. This is why the earlier versions are so peaky. few people every get their 960s out on the open road to enjoy what they were designed for.

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 15 May 2004, 16:06

petershen1984 wrote:Hi Volvord, does that apply to all 960s plus the S90? what year do you refer to? (95?)

As mentioned above the current in line 6 is a great engine. The inline 6 have replaced the V6's of earlier models. All the V6's should be avoided.

sidnal · Post by **sidnal** » 02 Jun 2004, 09:58

If I were you I would look for a 97, 98 960 / V90. These years are perhaps the most refined version of the inline 6cyl. I currently have a V90 with 127k miles and am quite contented. If I were you I would avoid the earlier 6's unless you plan on doing a V8 conversion. The 4cyl turbo is a fine version as well, though a bit buzzier.

sadie10023 · Post by **sadie10023** » 09 Jul 2005, 20:38

HI:

New to Volvo as an owner - but about to buy a 96 960 Sedan w/62K miles. Experienced the left turn noise up front with test drive-found comments here on diagnosis. Air conditioner backs off at accelleration - found same comments here for repair. Dealer will fix all issues B4 purchase as is a trade in.

Your chat on the 96' engine makes me nervous though. For a used car it is sweet and I plan to get 100K out of it with good maintainence. Bucket of trouble?

What say all on this model? Or should I buy that Infinity! yikes!

6-cyl, 2.9 liter, RWD

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 07 Sep 2006, 10:30

I rediscovered this post searching for info on the 960.

Oh gosh, the HP curve seems so steady all the way up to 6,000 rpms..

And I just love the sound of the inline-6 working up there. The Volvo B6304 really does have Porsche DNA in it...

I have to readapt myself to the electronic transmission though. My 740 had a heavy throttle and I must floor it to accelerate, release to upshift, and floor again to accelerate (as if using a clutchless manual). The 960 seems to only want to upshift if the gas pedal is depressed - so I'll have to get used to having a steady foot on it and let the computer to the shifting. haha..

I was taught to use Winter mode like a semi-automatic though, manually shifting by moving between L, 3, and D. However, unlike modern steptronic (+/-) gear selectors, it will allow you to start in 3rd gear, which can heat up transmission fluid...

But then again, if this is bad for the transmission, isn't it what limp-home mode does?