Who likes the 960

[dm635]

This forum here seems to have the most activity regarding the 960 than any of the normal normal Volvo sites. Over the 20 years I've been driving Volvo's I've been through 240's, 740's, 780, and a 940. And an XC and an 850. To many ongoing problems with those 2, I'm a RWD guy.

Now I'm on my 4th 960. Have kept the '96 I drive now for 6 years. I love the turbo red block, but I really like the 6 cyl white block for its smoothness and power. Plus the way these cars eat up the miles at 70+ mph. I just don't know why more people aren't into them. Yes, there are issues if you buy a bad neglected example. Especially if there's electrical problems. That along with timing belt and overheating issues. Keep on top of a good one and you're rewarded with a fine car.

Another question, how do you drive it if you own one. My 1st 3 960's all suffered from the intermittent noisy valve clatter. Usually starts on hot days while moving very slowly like stop and go traffic on a hot summer day. My '96 has never given the 1st hint of lifter noise. I drive it 'S' (sport mode) and regularly take it to 4K RPM'S. I don't wind out 1st gear or redline. But it moves well between 4-5K. I'd imagine the vast majority of these were never driven to 4K and feel that's a big contributer to the noisy valve train. These cars are so smooth that if you putt along in 'E' (economy), you can't feel it shifting gears. I don't abuse mine, but do get on it a little.

Just wondering others experience with these cars.

[June]

I loved my 960 and S90! The white 6 cylinder engine is by far superior in my opinion to anything Volvo has made since. The final step in the evolution is the S80 T6 that I won't part with. Had Volvo kept the S90 version and added the T6 twin charged as a option I feel they would have had the perfect car. I say the S90 version because I felt at the time the s90 was a little more refined. At least that is how I recall thinking 20 years ago when I traded my 960 in and bought the S90. So +1 for the 960! June

[93Regina]

Another question, how do you drive it if you own one.

Never had one, but any inline six cylinder will be a better engine, than a I-4 or V-6..due to harmonics. If RPMs are reasonable, there is smooth torque and power available. Even Fiat Chrysler Automobiles apprears to be bringing out a new inline-six engine design: FCA's New Inline-Six Rumored To Debut In Jeep Wagoneer

I've staid away from 960s since maintenance items are costlier than say 240s/740s/940s. 960s with modular engines, especially after a head gasket goes, have been prone to costly repairs...as in junk em for most folks. Fly by wire throttle and transmission is another downfall, when they get older.

I'm sure they are/were fine vehicles, but for most DIYers, these vehicles may end up being a money pit, unless driveline is replaced with different engine/transmissions....Ford, GM, etc

[dm635]

I loved my 960 and S90! The white 6 cylinder engine is by far superior in my opinion to anything Volvo has made since. The final step in the evolution is the S80 T6 that I won't part with. Had Volvo kept the S90 version and added the T6 twin charged as a option I feel they would have had the perfect car. I say the S90 version because I felt at the time the s90 was a little more refined. At least that is how I recall thinking 20 years ago when I traded my 960 in and bought the S90. So +1 for the 960! June

You are so right on the turbo. That would make this an even better car. My 745 is a non turbo and I really miss the turbo red block. I've owned a few turbos. But I've still held on to it after 10 years because it just keeps going. The only thing I don't like about my 960 is that it is not a wagon.

[dm635]

Another question, how do you drive it if you own one.

Never had one, but any inline six cylinder will be a better engine, than a I-4 or V-6..due to harmonics. If RPMs are reasonable, there is smooth torque and power available. Even Fiat Chrysler Automobiles apprears to be bringing out a new inline-six engine design: FCA's New Inline-Six Rumored To Debut In Jeep Wagoneer

I've staid away from 960s since maintenance items are costlier than say 240s/740s/940s. 960s with modular engines, especially after a head gasket goes, have been prone to costly repairs...as in junk em for most folks. Fly by wire throttle and transmission is another downfall, when they get older.

I'm sure they are/were fine vehicles, but for most DIYers, these vehicles may end up being a money pit, unless driveline is replaced with different engine/transmissions....Ford, GM, etc

The 6 cyl is a smooth running engine. And you're right about the expense of owning one. I do all my own work so it's not that bad for me. If I had to take it to a shop and pay there's no way I'd own one. These do get junked for what it'd cost to repair. Just like having to replace the heater core a couple months ago I'd say that most owners would let it go. I refer to it as a $50 part in a $2,000 location. I nearly got rid of mine a while back after an overheat, a sudden loss of coolant. I found a complete no title 960 for $250 and went to work. I'm in KY and found a very clean N.C. car. It also had a nice clean exhaust that I also used. After the engine and heater core I'm going to have to keep this car a while after all that work. Until I find a 960/V90 wagon. Anyone around Ky got a wagon they'd trade for my very good running 960 sedan? This car will go anywhere. It's been on many long distance trips including multiple trips to Houston. 1,000 miles one way and could take off today for another. I love the wagons more than the 4 door, but usually take the 960 over the 745 just due to the engine and the ride.

[humbertoflores63]

We have a 97/ 960 that I like very much. It stills has the original heater core at 190K. Where did you found directions of how to change the core? Car has been very reliable besides the inner bushings on the control arms. I get to do those every 5 years.

This summer the car is do for a timing belt and pcv system out to be fun.

[dm635]

Actually there are not a lot of instructions on big jobs regarding to the 960's on any large repairs. Not the engine or the heater core. I was on my own doing both jobs. I asked here, and on other forums for help. I got exactly Zero advice. I learned a few procedures I'll share to anyone attempting this very difficult repair.

[dm635]

The heater core on my '91 745 takes the same heater core as my '96 960s. But rarely hear about them failing as often as you do the 960's.

A couple years ago I found a V90 wagon that had a list of problems. Would have bought it until I found out it needed a heater core. That alone combined with the other problems made it a do not buy for me.

[tmcmilli]

Another question, how do you drive it if you own one. My 1st 3 960's all suffered from the intermittent noisy valve clatter. Usually starts on hot days while moving very slowly like stop and go traffic on a hot summer day. My '96 has never given the 1st hint of lifter noise. I drive it 'S' (sport mode) and regularly take it to 4K RPM'S. I don't wind out 1st gear or redline. But it moves well between 4-5K. I'd imagine the vast majority of these were never driven to 4K and feel that's a big contributer to the noisy valve train.

You have my full attention with these comments. I didn't know that what I'm experiencing was a common issue. I've owned my '94 960 for a year now and I have a clatter in the valvetrain. It's easily repeatable, in other words I can make it happen. And once it starts clattering softly but noticeably, I can let off the accelerator and or press harder on the accelerator and it will stop. But it does it frequently especially in slow speed driving up to say 40 or 45 MPH. I've even wondered if I just don't hear it at faster highway speeds.

So what causes this and is there anything I can do about it? ... other than finesse it to stop the clattering. It even does it when starting out from a stop at very slow speed. But it also does it just sort of randomly if I back off the accelerator at slower speeds then press down gently on the accelerator again. I can say it never does it when I'm accelerating moderately. I never drive it hard.

Any thoughts or comments? By the way, I REALLY like this car. I've put a lot into it to make up for apparent neglected maintenance on the part of previous owners. It runs good, has much better accelerating power than the 240s, not as powerful as my 2002 V70XC but I can't complain. I love the cushy big car ride.

[93Regina]

960... heater core...directions of how to change the core?

Volvo 700/900 Heater Core Replacement