My experience is with 940s, and I am being tempted by a 1995 960 that looks from the ad to be in very good shape with 115k miles on it. Reportedly has no problems except a rear passenger window that doesn't operate. If this thing does, indeed, run and drive nicely for $1,000 or less, is buying it STILL a dumb thing to do? I know this is a much more complicated car than the 940 even though they look very much the same, and I am getting the impression that non-OEM parts may be difficult to find. This would most likely be a 2nd or 3rd car getting less than 4k miles per year on it, so my livelihood will not be dependent on it.

I just get the impression that these 960s are a real headache to work on and keep running, even assuming the engine isn't inherently bad from poor casting quality.

Just looking for opinions, that's all. I've been watching for a 940 with passenger air bag, but they seem to be few and far between...

 

The 960 is a completely different Volvo from the utilitarian models of 240 740 and 940. In 20 years of selling Volvos, I've never heard of any poor casting quality regarding engines. The engine in those is known to go well over 200k miles if serviced.

They were not as popular as the 240 740 and 940 and competed with the midsize Mercedes and BMW of that era. So, there is not as much of a following.

 

I've only owned my 94 960 for less than a year but I'm very happy with it. I would only add that the 6 cylinder engine is an interference engine like the inline Volvo 5 cylinder engines, and unlike the red block 4 cylinder engine. This means of course it's essential to follow the manufacturer's scheduled interval for changing the timing belt and associated idlers. I was surprised to learn that this interval was 50K miles on my 960. It was 105K or 110K on a 2002 V70 XC with a 2.4 liter inline 5 cylinder that I used to own.

So if you buy it, AND if you don't know the service history, I would go ahead and have the timing belt and timing belt idlers replaced. And then you'll be fine with that for many years to come based on your projected use of the car.

My two cents.

 

https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-9...960B6304Blocks

 

The timing belt change intervals went up in two stages as they increased the width of the timing belt. I think the later cars were 70k miles. Perhaps later kits with wider belts can be retrofitted to earlier models.

 

Oh well - we never had a 960 with any kind of engine problem other than a leaking intake gasket. While these articles are interesting, they do not give a ratio of failure.

In some ways, it is like an old GM 350 diesel. If there is not a problem showing up by now, the car is old enough and cheap enough to take a chance.

 

Tony,

It's valuable to have the benefit of your experience. I am also of the mind that if the car is running without issues at 115k miles, chances are there are no inherent block issues. I'm going to see the car tomorrow. I plan to look closely around the exhaust manifold area and others for any sign of active or past leakage, but I think the car is sound.

Glen

 

Parts availability is a problem. The tranny is a toyota, I think, various makes and models used various makes and models of AW40-30 throughout the years [lexus, jeep, toyota, maybe more).
Something to consider. Many parts seem to be unavailable at local box parts stores, think sensors, additionally, less knowledge in the base, though building! Car can go forever, absent major failure, according to numerous postings. volvo.