I'm a new volvo enthusiast. I'm still on the fence about 940/960/850. I've compiled a pdf with the cars I'm most interested in that are available on the local market. Most notorious is a 1998 940 turbo. But there is also a 960 in very good condition, a 850 wagon in dubious electrical/mechanical shape... Check the pdf and tell me which of these cars would you buy and why. PDF includes specs and SEXY Volvo pictures!!!

PS: All of these cars are manual gearbox.

 

the 240 is a nice color but since it's an '87 it may still have the notoriously bad biodegradable wiring harness. you would need
to verify if 1) the original harness was replaced or 2) the car was built in late '87 when Volvo used better harnesses...

 

the 240 does have a great color, but it's the one i'm least interested. Not only what you mentioned, but the fact that it seems to be in a bit of a rough shape mechanically. I believe it is running, but no anual inspection, so it means it isn't in runing order.

 

not sure an 'inspection' means anything... for a car of such vintage.. better to see in person to make any analysis...

 

Well, in Europe anual inspection is kinda hard to pass with a old car. Just means the car isn't in running order and so has been sitting for a while, since it can't drive on the street.

 

But sure. Nothing like seeing it. I just prefer a running car, so i can enjoy the summer outside and not spending it in the garage fixing the car

 

Then i would go look at the blue 940 next

 

The 940 was the culmination of rwd redblocks. Although the 960 had some updates and refinements it had that aluminum straight six engine that had all kinds of casting problems with the block and later valve issues. Looks, reliability and ease of maintenance all point to the 940 being the best buy.

 

I can't believe how inexpensive these cars are in Europe. Maybe the "inspections" render them less valuable? I would want to buy all of them at those prices.