Ideas for Replacing my 1994 940 Wagon ?

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 05 Jun 2014, 00:55

My apologies if I am posting in the wrong forum. Someone suggested I ask this question on this site. This is my first post here.

My beloved 1994 Volvo 940 wagon was recently "totaled" by my son. I am very grateful my son was unharmed, and I would like another safe Volvo for him to drive.

I'd like to find another car in that Volvo sweet spot -- maximum safety and reliability, and before all those little bells and whistles that made Volvos a bit touchy for awhile.

(Actually, my son would like to keep the Volvo we have. I feel that may be unrealistic given that both airbags deployed and the windshield is broken. I don't really care about the cosmetics, but I do what a safe vehicle for him.)

So, my insurance company is offering me around $2400 to buy my old Volvo from me. I'm not seeing anything comparable to buy.

Does anyone have suggestions on which Volvo years and models would be worthwhile -- safe, reliable, decent mileage? Any years to avoid?

I have my own ideas, but I may be prejudiced (and airbags sound really good to me).

I'd like to spend around $3000, but would go up to $5000 for the right car. And, of course, then I'd have to find one...

Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 05 Jun 2014, 03:34

The 1999-2001 models were the first with the electronic throttle body which gets bad trouble reports. Look for a yellow label on it which is good. Mine lasted 135k miles btw.

The automatic transmission on the 2001 models was also problematic. I think that was an orphan year but the experts here will know for sure.

You could do well on that budget with a 1996-1998 850 especially in rust free CA. Don't forget to check the classified section too

Post by **jreed** » 05 Jun 2014, 05:17

Our '97 855 has front and side airbags for the front passengers. It has been great with a nice low pressure turbo giving good torque.

Post by **tryingbe** » 05 Jun 2014, 06:39

Find yourself another 940. 850 have higher maintenance cost than 940. Red block engine in the 940 will survive better with little maintenance then the white block in the 850.

Post by **mecheng** » 05 Jun 2014, 08:09

jreed wrote:Our '97 855 has front and side airbags for the front passengers. It has been great with a nice low pressure turbo giving good torque.

I second this, I have both the S70 T5 and 850 (LPT) low pressure turbo. I much prefer the power delivery of the LPT, it is instantaneous, great for most daily driving. The T5 has some serious lag and lacks the throttle response, but is great on the highway. Both are reliable, minor weak spots are a/c & heat, front suspension, everything else is great.

Post by **cn90** » 05 Jun 2014, 08:41

I'd suggest a 1994-1997 850 or 1998 S70/V70 with < 120K miles.
You can find them for < $2500. However, you need to look very hard.

1999-2002 models have their unique issues.

If you look for newer models, then 2005-2007 with 2.5T or 3.2 engine seem OK.
Stay away from T6.

Post by **cn90** » 05 Jun 2014, 08:44

I did a quick search and saw this 1998 S70 with 70K miles in Santa Cruz, CA:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4505085506.html

If I were you, I'd grab this car for $2000.

PS: You can find more in San Jose or San Francisco market, but this seems like a good deal.
1998 S70 was a very very good year. Most problem DIYs are in forum. Parts are inexpensive etc.
However, if you buy this car, the very first job is checking Timing Belt condition and replace it when you have time/money. Info in forum.

Post by **mecheng** » 05 Jun 2014, 08:54

cn90 wrote:I did a quick search and saw this 1998 S70 with 70K miles in Santa Cruz, CA:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4505085506.html

If I were you, I'd grab this car for $2000.

PS: You can find more in San Jose or San Francisco market, but this seems like a good deal.
1998 S70 was a very very good year. Most problem DIYs are in forum. Parts are inexpensive etc.
However, if you buy this car, the very first job is checking Timing Belt condition and replace it when you have time/money. Info in forum.

That is a good deal. The thermostats seem to fail open on these cars, I would confirm that with a drive, (on highway temp will drop to cold).

That car even comes with a kid ninja to protect you from bad guys!

Post by **erikv11** » 05 Jun 2014, 10:39

mecheng wrote:
jreed wrote:Our '97 855 has front and side airbags for the front passengers. It has been great with a nice low pressure turbo giving good torque.
I second this, I have both the S70 T5 and 850 (LPT) low pressure turbo. I much prefer the power delivery of the LPT, it is instantaneous, great for most daily driving. The T5 has some serious lag and lacks the throttle response, but is great on the highway. Both are reliable, minor weak spots are a/c & heat, front suspension, everything else is great.

The HPT 850 is a great compromise between the LPT and the S70 HPT. The LPT is a 13g turbo, all 850 HPTs are 15g turbos, and the 98 S/V/C70 T5 is a 16t turbo. The 15g spools up quickly *plus* is still a beast on the highway. Best of both worlds.

To be fair I've never driven a 16t but have read so many complaints about them being downright dogs for in town driving. On the other hand I have run both a 13g and a 15g on the same V70, and drive a 15g sedan; the 15g is a great way to go.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 06 Jun 2014, 23:28

Thanks for the suggestions!

I have an appointment to see the 1998 S70 Saturday (6/7). To be honest, it seems a little too good to be true, so I'm wondering what else (besides the thermostat) could be wrong with it.

I'm still checking the ads, of course. I may be asking more questions

Thanks again!