Howdy from Washngton State;
It's time for us to purchase another vehicle, we now own a 98 Chev Truck and a 88 Nissan Pathfinder owned both since new.
The Pathfinder needs to go at 275xxx miles and a inch of reciepts over the years.

We rented a 2000 Volvo sedan something two years ago for a trip and really enjoy the ride, comfort and power of this car so we're looking at used 960 series.
I don't know about the rest of you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Volvo in the Seattle area.

We want a sedan with all the bells and whistles, and a cup holder would be nice :-)

Now why should I buy a 960 over a 850? or even a 940?

I've driven both the 960 and 850 (850 is FWD 5cyl)........the 960 felt heavier and faster (push vs pull??)

Any feedback is always welcome..

Take Care


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Im a RWD guy so thats what I would buy but thats just me.

 

I doubt the 960 is faster than the 850 unless you are comparing a 960 turbo to a non turbo 850. I like the RWD also, but have two FWD Volvo's right now. I believe the last year Volvo made the 960 was like 97 or 98, so you are looking at a fairly old car. They have not made a RWD car since 99 that I am aware of. If you can find a 960 with all the bells and whistles in great shape, it would be a great buy, but I doubt you will beat an 850 Turbo with it unless you modify it.

 

Never done a race or anything but my mothers ~3ltr 960 does feel quicker than my fathers 10v 2.5 850 and quicker than my mate's 2ltr 850 however I've never driven the 20v 2.5 850 but it's certainly not as quick as my 850 T5.

I know very little about cars however I have driven both a 960 and a number of 850s and I've found the 960 to be a bit wallowy round corners (a bit like a 4x4 actually) with quite alot of body roll compared to the 850s I've driven. Also the 960's auto seemed to have a very slow kickdown in comparison to the 850's even in sport mode. To be fair to the 960 I was driving it on some pretty appalling single track roads at stupid speed up in Orkney where as I've never driven an 850 up there.

To me the 960 feels much more like a comfortable motorway cruiser with it's soft suspension and huge comfortable, but not very bucket like, seats where as the 850 feels sportier, less comfortable and smaller but better on twisty roads.

Of course this is only from personal experience and all the cars I've mentioned are at least 10 years old so I could be talking complete and utter cr*p.

Parker's review 960
Parker's review 850

hth
Iain

 

well I'm a RWD guy myself I have a 960 and I'm in love with it. I'v drivin a 960, 850, V70, and I think a 85' 240and I think that 960 is the best. It dose have some probablems but its worth it. 98 was the last year they made the 960 but 97 was the last year of true volvo becuase ford bought them in 97. so from my own personal experience I would go with the 960.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I too wish the 850 came with RWD. However, I would still give one a test drive, but only the turbo models (especially the T5-Rs or Rs). 850s are also comfortable yet handle sharply. If you didn't feel comfortable, the car may needed new struts & shocks, as 850s are starting show age and many suspension components need to be replaced on them unless done lately.

Whatever car you end up with, you'll at least be safer than other cars on the road.


JPN

 

Anyone who wears leathers is Volvo worthy!

 

The 960 and also the last version S90 (a bridge between the 960 and the S80)were the last RWD Volvo's. They had larger engines than the 850's also. I'm not 100% sure but I think the 960's were larger (longer wheelbase, wider track). FWD will handle better in snow. Both are good. It really comes down to personal preference and how good a one you can find. Have anything checked by a trusted mechanic before purchasing. Look for one with black leather interior, it will match your riding leathers.

 

This thread is two years old. Why bring it back to the top?

 

Good point Jim, I didn't realise it until you told us[8D].

I've alsonoticed that some ancient threads have been dug up lately for unknown reasons.


JPN

 

Is that a bad thing? lol. This is the first forum I've ever belonged to. Pardon my ignorance.

 

Oops! I guess we should look at the date before responding. My bad