Hello,
I am a new member.
I am looking at VOLVO 960, 1995 with 90K with the only owner. It looks good to me.
Can you please advise me:
-- Is this year is good for VOLVO 960?
-- Are they reliable?
-- What should I look for when I will inspect this car? Any weak places?
Thanks a lot!!!
Thinking of buying VOLVO 960, 1995. PLease advise.
Zrastwicha,
If he wants $50,000 for the car then it's a bad deal. Used Ferrari's are cheaper.
You didn't mention the price, the one thing that makes or breaks a buying decision all by itself.
With that mileage, and he's the original owner, I'd be number 2 behind you if the price was right. Regarding your questions...
-- Every year, is a good year for a Volvo.
-- Every Volvo, is reliable... (taken care of of course, and with the right circumstances).
-- What to Look for?
Be sure the car will start and run.
Be sure that you look good in it.
Be sure that there are no weak places in the car. (Use your fingers to test the body panels, your elbows can test the seats).
Watch out for the flying camshaft problem... only occurs in 1994-96 Volvos when revved over 4260 rpm with octane over 90.5. You'll need a test kit for this, available at your local Volvo dealership. (This is a dealer only item, and you'll need a manufacturer rep's approval to get it because the device is like 4 test instruments and 2 of them cannot be purchased, must be leased for the time you want to use it).
Often the F/Camshaft problem has been eliminated and documented by the dealership already - take the VIN in question to any dealership and have them run it through the computer - they'll tell you if the Volvo you're looking at has had the camshaft properly anchored as required by spec 14.2.
Of course, I'm joking about the flying camshaft problem... totally invented on the fly. You're obviously interested and somewhat excited about the car. Volvo isn't just another car, it's a way to think. To me there is no other car to own.
Every once in a while everyone encounters a lemon, new or used. There's no guarantee that you'll experience either, but... buy what you like, and suits your taste.
You get what you pay for in the long run.
If the price were right I'd buy the car you're looking at sight unseen.
Good luck.
If he wants $50,000 for the car then it's a bad deal. Used Ferrari's are cheaper.
You didn't mention the price, the one thing that makes or breaks a buying decision all by itself.
With that mileage, and he's the original owner, I'd be number 2 behind you if the price was right. Regarding your questions...
-- Every year, is a good year for a Volvo.
-- Every Volvo, is reliable... (taken care of of course, and with the right circumstances).
-- What to Look for?
Be sure the car will start and run.
Be sure that you look good in it.
Be sure that there are no weak places in the car. (Use your fingers to test the body panels, your elbows can test the seats).
Watch out for the flying camshaft problem... only occurs in 1994-96 Volvos when revved over 4260 rpm with octane over 90.5. You'll need a test kit for this, available at your local Volvo dealership. (This is a dealer only item, and you'll need a manufacturer rep's approval to get it because the device is like 4 test instruments and 2 of them cannot be purchased, must be leased for the time you want to use it).
Often the F/Camshaft problem has been eliminated and documented by the dealership already - take the VIN in question to any dealership and have them run it through the computer - they'll tell you if the Volvo you're looking at has had the camshaft properly anchored as required by spec 14.2.
Of course, I'm joking about the flying camshaft problem... totally invented on the fly. You're obviously interested and somewhat excited about the car. Volvo isn't just another car, it's a way to think. To me there is no other car to own.
Every once in a while everyone encounters a lemon, new or used. There's no guarantee that you'll experience either, but... buy what you like, and suits your taste.
You get what you pay for in the long run.
If the price were right I'd buy the car you're looking at sight unseen.
Good luck.
I have owned my 95 since january and have had a few issues.
This website is a great way to find out the history of a particular year/model.
For instance in the winter, my gearshift would blink between E, W and S in cold weather. This indicates a problem with a leak either in the cooler lines or transmission (will be hard to pinpoint now that nice weather is here but check under radiator to see if any coolant is leaking out or corrosion built up on bottom or of course any green fluid leak) . If the coolant resevoir level is properly maintained, the issue goes away. The bottle is located in the engine compartment and you should check to make sure it is at the proper level at all times.
Second issue I just had recently was the A/C blower would cutoff when accelerating. Can be the AC module (expensive because they have to remove dash etc to get to it) or inexpensive due to vacumm leak in vaccum resevoir tank located in undercarriage which may be cracked due to road debris.
Listen for any front end noise (sounds like broken shock or crunching when going over bumps at low speed). This happened to me and was due to sway bars being shot. Pair cost $150 and another $120 in labor...to repair.
Of course, I bought my 960 with $130K and got a good deal so the repairs are not altogether unexpected given age and miles...It is clean throughout (leather interior looks brand new) so I am happy overall with it.
At 90K generally speaking this Volvo has many miles to go on it so you should be fine!
Good luck and use this website to research any future issue you come across. You will get the help you need from very informative Volvo oweners and mechanics who get back to you right away with help!
Mike
This website is a great way to find out the history of a particular year/model.
For instance in the winter, my gearshift would blink between E, W and S in cold weather. This indicates a problem with a leak either in the cooler lines or transmission (will be hard to pinpoint now that nice weather is here but check under radiator to see if any coolant is leaking out or corrosion built up on bottom or of course any green fluid leak) . If the coolant resevoir level is properly maintained, the issue goes away. The bottle is located in the engine compartment and you should check to make sure it is at the proper level at all times.
Second issue I just had recently was the A/C blower would cutoff when accelerating. Can be the AC module (expensive because they have to remove dash etc to get to it) or inexpensive due to vacumm leak in vaccum resevoir tank located in undercarriage which may be cracked due to road debris.
Listen for any front end noise (sounds like broken shock or crunching when going over bumps at low speed). This happened to me and was due to sway bars being shot. Pair cost $150 and another $120 in labor...to repair.
Of course, I bought my 960 with $130K and got a good deal so the repairs are not altogether unexpected given age and miles...It is clean throughout (leather interior looks brand new) so I am happy overall with it.
At 90K generally speaking this Volvo has many miles to go on it so you should be fine!
Good luck and use this website to research any future issue you come across. You will get the help you need from very informative Volvo oweners and mechanics who get back to you right away with help!
Mike
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Guest
Thank you guys for the advises.
Sorry, I forgot to mention: they sell it for 5100$.
I think I will buy it tomorrow. Before that we are going to the VOLVO/SAAB mechanic who will check everything for 65$.
Thanks again.
Sorry, I forgot to mention: they sell it for 5100$.
I think I will buy it tomorrow. Before that we are going to the VOLVO/SAAB mechanic who will check everything for 65$.
Thanks again.
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