to replace my 93 850. The idea is to keep it close to the 850. I was told 2010 or earlier V70, S60 and S40 are all the same car with minor changes. I have read S40 has engine problems ( I found one 2009 with low miles). Please comment if S40 is known for engine problem or that was a isolated case, and if it's true the 3 (or any other suggestions ) are essentially like my 850. I have driven 50k miles in 15 years so I want one that I can keep for a while without much maintenance trouble. I have a budget for about 10k, give or take.
thanks in advance.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about engines - well maintained Volvos have long lives but poorly maintained ones are always "at fault" by their owners.
Of course it's all personal, about choices, but generally I would prefer the S 60. Bigger, more comfortable, nice road car. But you drive so very litttle you may not car about road manners. Do you need a wagon? It's a lot of glass to clean if you won't be using the space and the weight increases costs over time (fuel, shocks, brakes) but again with the mile you drive it isn't a big deal.
If you mainly drive in the city, don't haul big stuff, why not look at a C30? Fun to drive, cute, easy to park,
Regarless - I'd look for a "stripper" if possible. Volvo tends to pack stuff in it's cars and that stuff breaks. Less stuff = Less repair time/bills
Anyway my ranking would be S60 - (C30) - S40- V70

 

thank you for the info. I think I want a 4 door one so it's going to be between the s60 and s40. I found a lot specializing low milage older volvo, and they have a 09 S40 with 38k on it and a couple of S60 but they are all awd and turbo, T5 or 2.5t. I talked to my mechanic and he said I would have to expect some maintenance issues for turbo and awd. I have never driven a AWD nor turbo before.
What do you think for some one like me driven very little to choose between a S40 (38k m) simple and a S60 (50m) awd/ 2.5t or T5? I think S60 is a better car but the S40 is more fall into the "stripper" line.
thank you,

 

I am not a fan of the AWD, not at all. There's no reason to have unreliable AWD, and that is what they have. However, I am a huge fan of the turbo. FWIW.

 

they only have one S60 (2.5T FWD) with 89k miles on it. The rest S60 are all AWD.
So it's going to be between a S40 with 38k and a S60 2.5T with more than doubled milage.
I am going there to morrow to pick one. I just put up another post but I think you answered my question.
thank you for helping.

 

here is another question. The lot has a 98 S70 with 98000 miles on it. I wasn't consider a 20 years old car earlier, but a friend just told me that it would actually be a better car than the s60/s40s (he had a rental car once). I read the description and it says "the last year for the simple Volvos! no electronic throttle.. no computer loaded keys" etc. So I guess this is a real "stripper" and it looks just like my 850. I had test driven a S60 (later years) once and not like it as my 850, this was the reason I had considered V70, thought maybe the legroom is more like a 850. But I think it's not just about miles, the age would also contribute to problems. Could you please comment about what could be the issue/risk of buying such a old car? I have a feeling I might find it more comfortable than either S60 or S40 to drive, but things could just fall apart by being so old perhaps? He said the timing belt was done at 70k miles.
thanks.

 

My 98 S70 is either my first or 2 favorite car I've ever owned! (can't decide whoch)
And it will look and feel very similart o your 850. But 20 years is 20 years - God know it's maintanence history! 98,000 means it's timing belt time - but because of the age it should have been done long, long ago. really, a few times - and those pesky little hoses all over the engine compartment age poorly. I'd budget a few hundred to replace anything under the hoof that looks like it is or might be, a vacuum hose. Also check the heater core history. Old low mileage fluids seem to age so replace, run the car a bit and then replace again as crud can fall off where ever it was resting. But if the S70 can be had for less than 4500 and has a clean history and some verifiable records it would be my choice.

There are creampuffs out there - ran into a lady with an 850 at my dealers - lives in her garage mostly - had under 100k and she takes it into the dealer every 12 months per her conversation with advisor. I'm sure they work her over but I bet that thing is in fantstic shape. Looked it.

 

my friend (the one suggested S70) sent me a link of a 99 S70 GLT with 45k miles on it! Same black color looks just like my 850, and I immediately felt I would want this than what the lot has. I called it up but the thing was just sold 2 days ago, for 2995! I went back to the lot's site and found out they have this 98 with 98000 on it. I looked online with all sorts of auto site and there are only 2 under 100k on it and both far away from me. If it's 45k miles I perhaps would fly there to get it.
thank you for all the info, I'll take it to the lot and ask questions and maybe try to take it to my mechanic to have thorough look, although he said that he used to own a volvo shop and knows things well. Maybe I am switching a 25 years old car to a 20 years old...
thank you for all your help!