I am very interested in finding/buying a pre-Ford Volvo. Can any of you provide me with ideas of best year/model combinations?

Thanks for your time and help.

Patrick

 

1993-95 940 is for me the best Volvo, Turbo or not... The old Red Block, AW71 trans, yet with SRS, ABS, etc. For the money I don't think there is a better car out there. Only drawback, they are not the most fuel efficient...

 

I'm with tedv all the way on this one, only my wish list is shorter. I'd like to find a low mileage, fanatically maintained, super cheap '93 945 turbo. Based on what I've read, this would be the year that you get an AC system actually designed for 134A; not converted to it, you get the larger connecting rods, the oil squirters on the pistons, etc. You get this stuff on the later ones too, but you don't get the automatic locking rear end (I believe this was standard on all turbos, not sure about n/a engined cars) unless you get a winter package, after '93. Personally, I prefer rwd and have no interest in 850's and the like. I'm sure there are those who will disagree; that's why they make chocolate and vanilla..

 

They pretty much all have the "cold weather" package... hard to find one without, especially here in the NWest. The drawback on some '94-95, is Volvo started to skimp on some features like roofs, cruise, power seats, etc. I have a "few" of these, and I love them all... As far as the FWD stuff, no way! Nuff said! I even tried, a V70 AWD "R", didn't care for it.

 

1st off, I think this would be a good post for the General Section. I have owned several Volvo's and you see my signature as to what I currently have. If I could spin the wheel and stop it right where I'd want it, I'd probably get a V70 R if it were not AWD. I really like my 960 but feel it is a little weak on power. I favor RWD because they are easier to control under stress. The S70's are super comfortable. I drove the S70 GLT 2,000 miles over the Memorial Day weekend and it was super. The 960 seats are not as nice as our S70 or 850. I did like my 740 seats a little better than the 960 but for some reason I have a little hip problem when sittin in them long term.

The FWD cars have a lot more maintenance and repairs in comparison. But they are fun as heck to drive and look better than the 900 series. If I had all the money in the world I would probably take a 960 wagon or a 240 or 700 series wagon and make it the ultimate sleeper.