This is a GOOD problem to have, two really nice Volvos up for sale locally where I live.

First is a CHERRY, I mean mint showroom condition '95 960 wagon, from wealthy family well maintained, not sure if the timing belt needs to be done, but I bet I could get the cost of it off the asking price if it did. I mean it looks better than the '02 XC 70. Asking price is $2,700.00 it's got 140k miles, my '93 is really getting beat up, it's been hit twice still runs great, but...so many little things wrong...seat doesn't move, the vent switch won't switch could be vacuum issues....I need a new wagon, I was going to hold out for a 940 in nice shape, but I so love the 960, just not the parts prices or repair costs that the 940 doesn't have. But those horses are nice to have......

I said I'd never buy a ford Volvo, but...I have loved the XC70s ever since they came out with the new body style from the old 99 V70.

There is also a 2002 XC70 Cross Country, 180k miles, very good shape, and...same asking price. I'm guessing maintaining a 940 would be A LOT cheaper than this car, I remember hearing about nightmare problems with gas gauges going south and needing to drop the transmission to replace a $20.00 part and 2k in labor. Not sure if that was only for the older V70s or the XC as well. But I really love the style, ride, everything about the XC70.

We've got a new baby, 8mo. old, he's going to be huge like Mom and Dad, 6'+++, so we need the room, and the safety that a wagon gives, plus I still say that the Volvo Wagon was the original sport utility vehicle...it does everything I need it to, from shleping sheets of plywood on the roof rack to hauling through the Adirondaks and Maine on unpaved fireroads w/ the Wife next to me and the Petbull in my lap....

What do you say folks? Help me make a choice. To be clear, right now there is one '95 960 and a 2002 XC70 Cross Country. I've got a '93 960 I loved but it's on the way out, and I've had 940s that I loved, but no good ones are available right now....I have zero experience with the ford volvos, only had 940s 960s and Saabs.

Is the XC a reliable car? Or a money pit? From what I've seen the 850s were also money pits, but that's my opinion. Looking to keep this and own it for another 100k miles if possible.

 

Can't really see any older XC70 not costing you a bundle over 100k- starting at 180,000.
Unless I was needing the 4wd alot I'd go with the 960.
And while I have been known to wax long and enthusiastically about a Volvo's longevity, I would wager that neither of these cars will still be in your garage when junior starts driving in 16 years or so.( MY 6'5" son still fits easily in the s70 he learned to drive in 8 yrs ago)

 

94 to 97 were some of the best years for Volvo. The one from the wealthy family, hands down. Think of the elements like the garage it was parked in. Their office was more than likely a parking garages as well . Things like this are worth their weight in gold.

 

whilst researching which car to buy (just picked a V70 tdi 1999) would really liked to have had a awd, as I live up north in sweden (lat 64.4) loads of snow etc. However found out that there is problem with the transfer box on pre 2004 awd. it is a weak point on these models. Volvo changed the box over to a different make in 2004 doing away with the problem. If the 960 is as pristen as you say I'd go for the 960. As for mileage 140k is absolutely nothing, its hardly run in, more of a diesel man my self but it should easily do 500k if maintianed properly

 

960 For me as well. Do remember that the 960's are 91+ octane cars and can go about 300k but I honestly have not seen to many over 250k that have not experienced a burnt valve.

 

that might be why ours run longer, we have 95 or 98 octane over here, saw a 960 over the weekend had nearly 500k on the clock, driven by an old couple who obviously cherished there pride and joy.