Well I found a great deal and bought a 1996 960 wagon. It has 148k on it and has all the service records since they bought it in 05' I got it for $1450. I am very excited to finally have a Volvo.

I know I need to get the timing belt done. The last time it was done was 05 before they bought it at 77k I figure I'm too new with this car and to take it to a Volvo dealership to do that. But other than that I am guessing it would be wise to do all the fluids ATF fluid, coolant, oil, diff fluid(plus the speed sensor is bad so I have to go back there anyway)
I was wondering what else I could do to freshen up my car, beside the buffing I need to do to the paint
Thanks in advance and glad to be on the board and away from vw vortex

 

Congrats. You know about the timing belt. Just know that these I-6 are not as forgiving as I-5s (850s, V/S70s) when it comes to going over the timing belt interval. Larger heads, longer valvetrains, etc.

With the belt, I would change the Water Pump, Idler Pulley, Tensioner, Tensioner pulley. I would also change all coolant rubber hoses and the heater valve. Be prepared to change the radiator, if not done already.

Block the hot-air duct coming from the exhaust into the Airbox. Thermostat in the airbox is probably shot, and it does not close the flap, hence allowing heated air go to MAF and frying the MAF.

Clean the PVC system.

Flush and replace brake fluid. Same with steering fluid.

Do a check on the front end -- if not replaced, you are about due on rubber bushings upfront.

Timing Belt parts should cost about $ 250-300. Labor should be about $ 400. Of course Volvo Dealer will charge you more. Probably $ 1200.

 

Timing belt is not that hards as it looks like! Theres a nice set of instructions that helps you through the job. Definetely on the PCV system, most likely at that mileage if it hasnt been serviced, will throw out smoke from the oil dipstick and letting oil leak from the oil cap and finnally damaging your main seals. Enjoy it.

 

Thanks been trying to read up as much as I can. On a scale from 1-10 how hard is the timing belt, I'm no stranger to a wrench
I have to look at my receipts. He said he replaced 2 coil packs already so I need to check the rest of them. The car was well taken care of I can tell that much
I just know they wouldn't want to sink 1200$ into a car of no use for. I have the car at a friends house. I currently live in NYC and the car is in pa I still haven't got to check if it has anything is missing or if I have any goodies like the locking rear end

Any other pointers would be great

 

1-10, IMO timing belt is about a 5.

About the locker -- these came as part of the winter package. If you have the snow-flake symbol next to the outside temp display on dash - you would have an ALD (Automatic Locking Differential). Though I found snow tires to be a lot more helpful in winter than this.

 

Well I got to go over all the receipts I was given and within the last year and a half 2 ox sensors were replaced, 2 coil packs spark plug(s) radiator in 11/10 some vacuum hoses at the same time

Some weird things I noticed. The AC system was check a lot I'm not sure if they liked spending money on the car or if there was something wrong. It said it has a AC sensor changed like 2 years ago, but I used the AC and it seemed to work fine. I guess I'll find out soon enough.
Also the thermostat was replaced a few time (2-3) so I'm wondering if there is an issue with that.

There was a check engine light and it had to do with the ox sensors and they replaced them and the cat but it says with "aftermarket" parts but I think they aren't Volvo brand just euro replacements, but my CEL is still on. I want to get it checked out when I get it inspected but if it's the sensors I won't care too much I owned a vw I lived with the CEL on all the time

I guess it's just changing that timing belt and the fluids and I should be pretty good. I'm very happy with reading all the receipts

With that being said anything else I should worry about?
I'll try to get pics up of under the hood, it's very clean which surprised me

 

Here are my timing belt instructions:
Timing belt replacement instructions on a 1997 Volvo 960

I did a few on the 960. Lots of room and very easy imo. Read through it so you can get all the tools and parts you need.

There are a few other useful links on my site for the 960's. I still miss mine.

 

While your at it you might check to see if your car has the plasic oil pump bypass plunger and replace it if it does.