Hello everyone! I'm about to turn 16 in a week and a half and need to buy a car. I'm a huge fan of Swedish cars, specifically Volvo more than SAAB. Anyway, I am having troubles on which model I should consider. My budget is $5,000-$6,000. I want it to be reliable, which most are, but some more than others. I know the 240 is ideal but I plan to go to college in Missouri...meaning I will need an A/C that produces cold air. Our 244's A/C isn't the greatest so I'm looking for one that actually has good, cold air coming out. We had a 1996 854 Turbo and I loved that A/C. I also want something that has adequate power to pass when needed and other things that happen when driving. With that, I want at least 20 mpg in the city. Though, if necessary, I'm willing to go to 18-19. I value safety as well, which is why I will gladly spend some more on gas than go buy a substandard rice box. I also prefer it to be a true Volvo (before Ford ownership.) But, I don't want it to be too old to take it to MO. So basically, I want it to be reliable, good looking, with adequate power, a good A/C, ok mpg, and it to be decent to take to MO when I graduate. Thank you fellow Volvo enthusiasts
-Seth

 

850 or S70 are good cars. With regards to the A/C, the evaporator is a common leakage point. So if someone says it was blowing warm but they just had it recharged- be prepared to either recharge it every so often or fix it the right way.

 

That's what I was thinking. Before our 854 Turbo was salvaged by the insurance company, my dad let me drive it. I love that car! I wish that drunk never broadsided us! For the A/C, if the evaporator or compressor goes, isn't that expensive to fix? Thank you

 

Yes, the evaporator is expensive because it is a labor intensive job.

 

Well, with that, and if it does break, I doubt I would be able to fix it myself cause of time. What compromises can I make to get one without this problem model or budget wise? Or, is it still best to stick with an 850 or S70?