Which older volvo do you recommend? [merged]

[scot850]

740/940/760 Turbo/940 Turbo all with the legendary Red block engines. I've had 240's (wagon and sedan), 760 Turbo sedan, 940 HPT wagon and loved them for simplicity. If you have a 240 neither should scare you but you get wedge design instead. There are still a fair few nice ones out there even with higher mileages. Also they have the driven wheels are the 'right' end!

Even P2 Volvos after 2003 are a good vehicle and parts are easier to get, but for me that is about as new as I go.

Bottom line there are a lot of options. What I would suggest is go out and try a few and see what you like. If you like a lot and not in a hurry, then you can be choosy and look for the low mileage, documented car.

Neil.

[850 LPT]

Even P2 Volvos after 2003 are a good vehicle and parts are easier to get, but for me that is about as new as I go.

My sentiment exactly!

[msloan]

how is the front wheel drive on the (2002) 850'S? I've only worked on rwd cars....

[BlackBart]

The 850 nameplate went until the mid-90’s. Then they called it a V70, but it’s the same car. In 2001, it was still called a V70, but it was the new P2 chassis. In 2008, the P3 chassis came out.

[June]

740/940/760 Turbo/940 Turbo all with the legendary Red block engines. I've had 240's (wagon and sedan), 760 Turbo sedan, 940 HPT wagon and loved them for simplicity. If you have a 240 neither should scare you but you get wedge design instead. There are still a fair few nice ones out there even with higher mileages. Also they have the driven wheels are the 'right' end!

Even P2 Volvos after 2003 are a good vehicle and parts are easier to get, but for me that is about as new as I go.

Bottom line there are a lot of options. What I would suggest is go out and try a few and see what you like. If you like a lot and not in a hurry, then you can be choosy and look for the low mileage, documented car.

Neil.

100% agree with Neil! I bought a 1991 740TURBO for $3,800 this year. I have not regretted a thing!!! My beloved S80 sits under a cover most of the time lately. June

[volvolugnut]

There were a few VW design Diesel engines and some V6 engines. Both had different designs and issues.
The 240/740 designs were much the same and both had improvements over the years to injection and ignition systems. The 240 was built from 1975 to 1993. I have owned and driven several.
volvolugnut

[scot850]

That 'new' 740 Turbo is really nice. Love the color too. I liked my 760 turbo, but it was black which is not my favorite color but it was what was available at the time. Bought it as it was a B.C. province car which uses little salt and it was rust free. I found out the hard way that it was still possible to turn back the miles on the speedometer. I had the engine rebuilt by a former Rolls Royce mechanic and then sold it as it had become too small for the family. It was great to drive and comfortable, but not so great on winter roads.

Only issue was compared to a 240 it had limited head room with the sunroof.

Neil.

[matthew1]

[Merged with twin.]

[msloan]

SOme of the recommended cars are FWD. I have no experience with them. Is this an issue?

[abscate]

Volvo makes RWD cars?