Hi,

I'm considering buying a 1996 960 4 dr sedan; it failed smog, a/c "doesn't work", has an oil leak over the exhaust manifold, and has a few dings. California smog report, which I haven't seen, says "there's a vacuum leak" according to the owner. Owner "thinks" the title is clear, but I'd want to confirm this, of course.

I've not been able to find out what ECU it uses, but the posts here say there is a fault code readout, and 1996 models need a scanner to get them.

Resale value according to Kelley BB is indeterminate because of the problems. Anyone got any ideas on buying a car like this? Does this model have trouble meeting emission specs? Is this just a great big paper weight?

Inputs are gratefully accepted.

Cheers!


vvvolvo

Dont get me wrong, I like my 960 a lot, but these cars are prone to problems. Buying one means that you accept the fact that more money will go to fixing the car in the near future. Oil leaking from the manifold and a broken a/c system is not exactly the thing you should be looking for in a new vehicle. The a/c could easily cost $1000 to repair (as i have just had mine done), and oil leaking from the motor could cost you a fortune to diagnose and correct. If you are still interested in the car I would suggest a "buyers inspection." Most repair shpos do them for about $100, and a shop which specializes in volvos would know far more about this model than your average neighborhood facility.
Hope this helps, good hunting.

ORIGINAL: AZ960

Dont get me wrong, I like my 960 a lot, but these cars are prone to problems. Buying one means that you accept the fact that more money will go to fixing the car in the near future. Oil leaking from the manifold and a broken a/c system is not exactly the thing you should be looking for in a new vehicle. The a/c could easily cost $1000 to repair (as i have just had mine done), and oil leaking from the motor could cost you a fortune to diagnose and correct. If you are still interested in the car I would suggest a "buyers inspection." Most repair shpos do them for about $100, and a shop which specializes in volvos would know far more about this model than your average neighborhood facility.
Hope this helps, good hunting.



AGREED