I currently have a 92 940, I have had it for many years and am constantly complimented on how good looking it is and even my mechanic wants buy it. My concern is my 940 is so easy to work on, so realiable and still good looking; but it is getting on in years. I have over 250.000 miles on it and do not like the rear wheel drive and is going to need a number of more expensive repairs in the coming years. I have found a newer alternative in the 850 or s70, but am hesitant on how easy they are to work on. Love to get rid of the winter rims and have a door lock remote, stock cd player and front wheel drive. Is it worth the trade off? Leary of the 5 cylinder.

 

The 5 cylinder is a good motor. Nothing to worry about. Well..... no they're good.

 

Oh no! The S70 is Foolproof, especially if you get a 98. That was the last year of Volvo before Ford took over! S70's IMO are essentially a prettier 850,lol... That 5 cyl. is foolproof! After 98, since Ford took over, there were minor issues with electronics, but the motor was still great! I don't think you have much to worry! See what others say....

 

Sorry to go against the trend but I love the 740/940 and don't care anything for the 850/70 series. They drive like any other FWD on the market while having none of the great attributes that made Volvo. I have tried them, and they leave me cold every time. I had '86 850R+ for a time and it was great looking and on paper had everything you could dream for, but in reality was very mediocre. The FWD definitely do not wear nearly as well as the RWD, and I am talking about materials as well as designed mechanicals. Yes, the engine is OK, as are really all modern engines, but the the transmissions could be termed much worse than the ones in the RWD and all other associated maintenance is more complicated and expensive.
I personally would never recommend a 850/70 or anything that came afterwards like the 60 or the 80 which by the way are so cheap used for the reason of their exhorbinant maintenance costs. A Toyota Camry is a much better choice for an everyday car.

 

Completely disagree...

For one, I have had two s60's and looking for a third. I have had one now regular maintenance problem this whole time. A bad wheel bearing. Which was replaced for under 100 dollars.

The reason that they are so much cheaper than when they are new is because they don't carry the clout that BMW and Mercedes does for one. Second, most people who want a Volvo and can afford one, want a new one. And third Volvo doesn't really have a big market share. Face it, when most people buy their first volvo it was more of an accident then something they decided.

 

I have a 940 and a V70 and can say they are certainly two different animals.

The 1992 940 is solid. The engine with 150K is sounds like it will run forever. It's OK to drive and is reliable transportation. Things are starting to need replacement or repair such as the window regulator and sunroof. Great car for around town and used basically by my daughter.

The 2003 V70 with the soft turbo really has some get up and go and is much more fun to drive. It handles better and has more modern conveniences and safety features than the 940. It's much more comfortable on the highway and longer trips. Personally I wouldn't buy one between 1999-2002 as those seem to be the problematic years.

I also have an 850R which is also quite fun to drive. But I'm leary if I need a major repair. Of course, the AC doesn't work.

I went totally Volvo this year and glad I did it.

 

I have driven nothing but Volvo's since my 1987 740 GLE which I would still consider the best car I ever owned. We called it Grace because it did everything gracefully. I finally let it go at 405,000 miles.

From there I went into a '95 960. The mothership at the time. Great smooth car with some power for a change. It sits higher and was more complicated to work on but I didn't do much to it. The only thing I did not like about it is the lack of after market anything. No one, I mean no one makes things for it. But when I think about it, what did it need??? I liked it so much that I purchased another one that looked just like it when I wrecked it. So, I still own a '97 960.

So, I decided to purchase my daughter a S70 for her to have as she left our home. She wrecked my 960 so I made her drive it until I got it fixed and drove her S70 GLT. I simply fell in love with the car. So fun to drive, looks good (red) and has the most comfortable seats I have ever driven in. It was so much fun that I purchased a 850 R for myself.

Now that I'm in the 850 R, I'm liking the car more and more everyday. My wife has had 2 different Honda's and the front wheel drive has a very different feel. The drive feel and the suspension is superior in my opinion that any front wheel drive car that I have ever driven. Awsome! The only scary feeling is when I floor it off the start while making a turn. The power and grab is just scary for me, it jumps out there much faster than I expect.

I have also owned a 240 or two and a 262c Bertone. I must say that the 850 and S70 are a refreshing change to the slower tired 740 and 940. Yes the 740 and 940 are simpler and more reliable but the newer 850 & S70 are a refreshing joy to drive and can last just as long when properly maintained.

I've said almost enough... Get a TURBO, either low pressure or high, you'll enjoy the ride.