I would like to know what is the average life expectancy of a well taken care of and maintained Volvo 940? I know that the 4 cyl engines are very durable but what is the approximate max milage without needing a rebuilt or something major?

 

I think that's a pretty hard question to answer with any exactitude BUT a well maintained unabused 940 can probably do 500k...

So, what's "well maintained"? More than just oil changes, but all fluids, all maintenance items so many owners don't even think about... And NEVER overheat it as that will kill the B230 just as it would any other motor... The engine is actually the strongest part of the car, I'd worry more about the tranny (change fluid every 20K), and cosmetics like door panels, pockets, moldings, seats, console, etc. These items are getting hard to come by and if available they are costly...

Most older Volvos still soldier on trashed, they become "just" a transportation car people buy for $500 since it's the cheapest car they can get for the money and drive them into the ground since they just go on and on...

With a little TLC an older Volvo, especially a 940 can hold its own against pretty much anything 20 years newer...

 

1989 740GL now has 320,000 miles on it. No rust and minor oil leak. Runs great and looks great. My wife wants to hit 500,000 and then we'll see how it looks.

 

I sold my 92 940 gl last summer with 214k on it, and buyers mechanic said it was in better condition than his 00 cadillac. ran like a sewing machine, unsure of how previous owners took care of it, as it had sat a good part of 2 years before I bought it from a middle man...

the 92 745 turbo I have now, I have no clue on it's history, but @ 200k miles on the clock and what looks like alot of un-seen body repair (and sitting for what appears to be a couple years as well), the harder I drive it, the better it runs....