Not sure if my dream will come true. I am considering buying a real Swedish made tank and keep it running. Not a very handy person but will to learn and become more knowledgeable in the future.

 

If I may, you may want to purchase a pre '96 model, non-turbo Volvo. Get the 2.3 engine, they are easy to work on and parts are easy to find. Hope this helps...burningfire

 

The 2.3 / 2.4 / 2.5 are all the same. It's a modular engine and the parts interchange. Not every part but almost all of them.
If you read the threads you'll see most people who buy a Volvo without a turbo wished they had a turbo or want to know how to add one. Buying one with a turbo in the first place is so much easier and cheaper.

I have an 850 and these links are to the 850 section but the information is good to know for anyone thinking about Volvo shopping. Depending on the model you might choose to buy you might want to go to that specific forum and see if there is anything specific to watch out for

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...-thread-13678/

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...s-s-v70s-9266/

 

Hey there welcome to the forums. I hope you soon buy a Volvo, then you will know the sheer power and the pleasure of owning one. Also Volvo are known to make the safest cars in the world so that's a plus. Waiting for you to buy and send in some pics up here. And yeah, have a great stay here.

 

Greetings to all! Thanks for the advice. I am checking on a 99' S70 but haven't made up my mind yet. I was advised not to consider it since it needs a lot of maintenance. I am not very handy but I am willing to learn and spend some weekend time.

Definitely will look around and see if there are 850 available for sale.

 

My pal/mechanic is trying to convince me to walk away from Volvo and buy a Subaru or Passat. He said for the same mileage, these 2 are better built than Volvo. I heard that VW/Audi are very expensive to maintain. For a newbie auto enthusiast, Volvo or Subaru/VW/Audi? What are you opinions?

 

For maintenance cost I'd say the VW is likely the lest expensive. Not a lot but it's more common. The Volvo and Audi would likely be highest with the Subaru near or above the VW.
I'm talking about in general and some specific items can be down right outrageous. I thought I needed an idle air control valve and for my volvo it was $400+ to get it right then. If you shop you can find good prices on anything but when you have to get to work or you're on the side of the road you don't always have that luxury.

If it wasn't for owning an 850 already I'd be interested in a diesel VW to see what kind of power and economy I could get out of it. BUT, diesel is a whole different critter in maintenance.

 

The last of the Swedish made tanks are the 940's, red block Volvo's. The white block cars, 850, 70 series and newer are far from tanks.

I will say, if you can fix things yourself with good instructions, Volvo's is a car that you can fix yourself without much effort. If you don't repair them yourself and have to pay for service and repairs, I'd stay away from all European cars.

 

rspi,

I have watched a few of your videos and learnt a lot. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your invaluable experiences.

I have to admit I am not bold enough. After considering all the factors and my mechanic skills, I purchased an XC90 with 2.5T 5i engine. According to many discussions on the XC90, it seems like the marriage of the 2.5T engine and Aisin transmission is the better one to choose. It needs some work but since I have another car, this baby will be my year round project to dress it up.

Are you in Cincy? If so, can you recommend a good independent mechanic for Volvo? I plan to change the timing belt myself, but due to the cold weather and not having a garage, I might want to get it done at a shop. I am still considering the options.