1995 940/960 What should I look out for?

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 09 Jun 2014, 01:45

Greetings all,

I posted in another forum on this site a few days ago -- "Ideas for Replacing my 1994 940 Wagon ?" (https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 85#p329785)

(hmm... perhaps I should have posted here...)

I've been looking at ads for 940/960 and 850's.

Someone (rspi) posted links to great videos about what to check out before buying a used 850/S70, on You Tube by Robert DIY. I couldn't find videos for the 940/960 series. Does anyone know of any?

Or perhaps a list of important things to consider when checking out 940/960?

My budget is around $3000, so I think I'll be looking at years 1992-1997-ish.

Thanks!

Post by **abscate** » 10 Jun 2014, 05:19

We generally don't like cross posting but this is the right place for your discussion about the buying points on a 9xx series.

Let's leave your WTB ad in the sales Forum to help find your ride, but discuss here.

bloodrootfc · Post by **bloodrootfc** » 10 Jun 2014, 10:11

Vacuum lines and undercarriage fuel lines may be badly rusted/degraded.

Leaking oil through oil cap (easy fix but if left untended for a long time may have fouled up engine compartment with burned oil).

Wiring harness under the engine cover may be burned.

A/C compressor shot.

Brake booster leaking (audible sssshhhh noise when applying brakes).

Engine and transmission mounts likely to be weak or damaged. Steering rack, sway bar, and control arms may be worn or loose (it's a heavy car).

Front seat mechanisms and sunroof mechanisms likely to have problems.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 10 Jun 2014, 23:28

Thanks for the list, bloodrootfc.

Sorry about the cross-posting, abscate. I'm new to this site and I'm trying to sort through a bunch of stuff.

Is there a forum where I can ask, "What's the best car for me?"....

Ethan Rode · Post by **Ethan Rode** » 12 Jun 2014, 02:25

Don't waste time on a 95 960. Pre-OBDII on a car that complex? No thanks! 93-94's were good, as were 96-98. Even then, the newest one is 16 years old. There are a few weak spots that I can think of:
ignition coil wiring harness
Crankcase vent hoses/box
Vacuum and Evap Lines (there are lots of them)
Rubber suspension bushings (not bad, but a maintenance item)
Power seat cables

They are good, reliable, comfortable cars, if they've been maintained. I'd take one over an 850 any day.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jul 2014, 17:02

I just spotted this one, and the low mileage seems... hinkey...?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/4561015986.html

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jul 2014, 17:14

I asked the person who placed the ad a few questions about the car and he wrote:

"I inherited this car from my tenant, that was delinquent on rent. I
don't no anything about the car. It does seem to run good to me. You
have to look at it yourself and make a decision."

This sounds like a car for someone who knows how to fix Volvos, yes?

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jul 2014, 17:24

And today there is this one too

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4527434775.html

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 19 Jul 2014, 22:10

Chai wrote:And today there is this one too

Buying Tip - Do not buy a specific model/year, but something in ballpark range of model(s)/years. Myself, I'd look for 1993 or older, or rather for non-electronic transmissions, and 4 banger engines.

740s/940s are very similar, interior/engine wise

In that SF area, one should find a boatload of decent vehicles....research the owner.