Hey! This is my first post, so I hope I'm following all the rules

Anyways, my trusty old 745 has blown its head gasket for the third time in four years, so I've finally given in and realized it's time for a new Volvo.
But the question I have been frantically stressing over the past month is what will be the best in the long run for me?

I'm in school, so I need something reliable, but not too terribly costly. My mechanic and parents think I should stick with pre-1998 models, to avoid electrical problems, but I'm also thinking about 2005/6 s40's since they're better with the gas milage. (theres also a 1974 164E that I've found too...thoughts?)


So since there are NO Volvo people in my area, I thought I'd throw my questions out here

 

Can't help you much but I'm curious - is the mechanic making the recommendations the same one that replaces your head gaskets every 16 months? Something wrong there, it seems to me.
Have a 1998 S70 w/205,000 miles, only electrical "problem " I have is the headlight connectors have disintegrated and need replaced although they have been like that for a few years and work fine. My 2005 S80 has yet to electrical problems either.

But older Volvos (and older most other cars) can be money pits unless meticulously maintained, and few are. Buying one you don't know the history of is a long shot. If you don't do a fair amount of the wrench turning yourself it's going to add up quick.

Because of that, I'd say go for a newer S40, given your choices.

Personal story here:
In 1998 I bought a new S70 and a new Infiniti I-30. The cars became "high school, and then college cars" for my 2 sons. The Volvo has run up $1000 a year bills since that son has been out of state (for the last 6 years). Runs great though. The Infiniti went cross country every summer and fall with my older son through 7 years of college and grad school lasting 18 months into his new job - total repair work done: valve cover gaskets, starter, front brakes, antenna mast. Total. No kidding. At 200,000 miles it was on its original plugs, alternator, etc. (He recently sold it because the Electronic Climate Control module went out.) Anecdotal evidence from others with I-30's and Maxima's indicates that he is not unusual. So barring a low mileage S-40, I suggest a big Nissan.

 

I agree. Obviously, there are cheaper options than any volvo in terms of total ownership cost. You are going to have to tell us, really, how much money you're willing to lose. If you have a mechanic that is not yourself, then an older volvo is not going to be economical to maintain.

For sure, don't get a T6 with the GM transmission.