I'm looking at a 960 from 1996 but the owner says he he moving to another house and doesn't know where he put the keys to the car, Told me he is too old to give a damm and if I want the car I would have to find a way. I was thinking of taking the lock and having someone make an impression, but that I thought, what if the car has transporder keys?
I've searched online but I get contradictory results to whether or not this car uses transponder system.
If so, is there another cheap way so I can turn on the car to test drive it? Don't wanna be putting hundreds into the car without even knowing if I'm gonna buy it or not. But it is a good looking black 960, so it seems worth the hassle.

 

In the US, a 1996 does not have a chip key. I don't think Volvo did that or an immobilizer on any car until 1999. So - If you give the VIN number to a dealer they can order a precut key for you. You may have to prove you own the car. Here it will probably cost about $70.

You can start the car by taking the steering column cover off, removing the ignition switch and using a screwdriver to turn the switch and start the car. (with a good battery and working systems) You need a key to unlock the steering column. You could drill out the security bolts holding the steering column lock onto the column, and remove it so the steering works, then use a screwdriver to start the car - so yes - there is your free test drive.

"without even knowing if I'm gonna buy it or not" OK - no key, owner does not care - he will get $0 to $200 for it as scrap. So how much do you think would be fair for you to pay?

 

As of a couple of years ago Volvo dealers could still get keys for around $35. Keep in mind that the 960 uses high security keys, hard to replicate by just any local locksmith...

I recently got the radio code for a '95 940, they seem to have this info, never asked for proof of ownership. I don't think anyone cares anymore...

 

I believe the guy is over estimating everyones interest in the car. Car was on sale for 1100€, he is asking for 900 with the key issue. I'm planing on going to see the car and if I think it's worth it, just doing the key to test drive it. If I don't like it, we are in the weird situation of me being the sole owner of his car's keys. lol
Anyway, the car is open at the moment so I can inspect interior and under the hood, so I can have a clear picture of whether it's worth the hassle or not. Then I can either risk buying as is, without testing, for a much lower offer, and wait for him to take it or leave it. Or Doing the key and offering slightly less.

 

You mean they are hard to replicate, not they have a code right? Because hoonk said they did not, until 1999

 

High security as in a "laser cut" key. Harder to cut/copy. I would not buy that car without being able to test the transmission - they are hard to come by.

 

Ok so making an impression key is out if the question.
I'll follow your suggestion and not buy the car unless i can drive it.
I'll see it, inspect under hood and interior to see if it is worth ordering a key from the dealership. I'll risk losing whatever they charge for the key though, if the car ain't worth buying. But the guy is a collector, he got several sports cars, including miatas, Porches, etc, so i guess he must take car of them.

 

You are talking Euros so you must be somewhere in Europe. Not sure how the old Volvo scene, and values, work there but in the US the 960 is much unloved due to its more complicated systems: Porsche (badly) designed head, electronically controlled transmission, Nivomat suspension, climate control that works badly, and the soft keys that often cause lock issues. The closest I ever came to one was a '91 940SE which is 960 with 4 cyl. turbo motor, and I learned my lesson. I'd only look at a pristine copy with impeccable history and in beautiful cosmetic shape--960 can be money pits with very little upside to ownership.
The seller may have found a way to sell the car with the no key claim to shield himself from any responsibility, seen it before. This car here would be worth scrap value.

 

Would you advise me to go for an 850 instead? I'm talking non-turbo version. Here there are very few turbos, so they get real expensive. I see you dislike the 900s very much. I was more inclined to the 960 than the 850 and the 940. Now you kinda got me rethinking. Some of those issues you mentioned aren't present in all versions are they? We are talking 960 and not s90 right?

i decided not to buy the car mentioned in the post, mostly because it was automatic.

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you mentioned the Porsche head is poorly made. So you dislike the whiteblock in general?

 

That has been the only choice for Volvo engines since about 1995. They have proven to be very reliable. No they don't make boat engines out of them like the red block b21/230 - but they are appropriate engines for the times.

 

I love the 940NA, one of the best cars ever made! The turbos are fine too but have some more issues. I don't like 960 and I don't consider FWD Volvos real Volvos, they are bad copy of a Passat (I do have one of those too), and bring nothing of the original Volvo to the table. Yes, I tried them back in 1993 when they first appeared, then I even had an 850R and it was huge letdown after all the hype. I have access to many cars and I have tried to get into an 850/S70, and subsequent but I can't stand the FWD, the shoddy materials, the unnecessarily complicated mechanicals, etc. In Europe you are lucky, especially in Germany there are many beautiful and well cared for late 940, as late as 1998, but they are pricey. I look at mobile.de and scout24, many choices there.

 

I agree - and if it were not for the awd cars I would not own one. Even then the torque steer and handling is not what I like. Give me a rear wheel drive anything is better. But - that's not a modern Volvo - so if you want that feel - you have to purchase something else. I don't think Volvo will ever go back to front ICE with rear wheel drive - there are very few cars that still are.

 

AWD cars are a modern fad, the Volvos AWD are still a front WD with very rarely the AWD kicking in. Most drivers need an AWD .099% of the time dragging the extra weight and complications 100% of the time. There is no permanent AWD. Even in heavy snow tires are much important than AWD. FW drive cars just feel cheap and squirly, all the great makes still stick with RWD. The rest are doing FWD dishonestly hyping AWD. They do because FWD cars are much cheaper to make.

 

So both you, lev, and hoonk agree that fwd just don't feel like a real volvo!? I'm also inclined to buy a rwd. But I wonder what engine I should go for. Especially considering the point you, lev, made "against" the 960.
What's your take hoonk? Is someone better off with a 940 redblock than with a 960 i6? Do the 960 problems outweigh the benefits?

I'm doing an excel sheet with all cars available on the local market, with specs, price, etc. I might post it here, to see what people think of the specific cars I'm looking at.

 

btw, in europe they produced the 940 with a redblock until 98. Actually one oif the cars I'm looking at is a 98 940 turbo with 250000 with manual tranny. Kind of on of the last volvos ever made with the redblock I guess. Condition seems alright. 1500€.

 

I'd grab that car in a second, as would any real Volvo enthusiast! Where in Europe are you?

 

I need to go see it. There might be something wrong with it. But yes. On paper it's a great business. I'll try to go see the car soon.
What? Are you trying to ****** the car from me? eheh I'm in Germany. The car is in Berlin. 500km, but I'll do the trip if it's worth it.

 

No, I am not. We can only import cars 25+yrs old here. 500km is a long way but may be OK if it's a good car. Have them send you pictures. Rust is what's important, mechanically these cars are bulletproof. Here they beat them to death while they are still running-look like hell! Cars in Germany and Switzerland especially are much better maintained.

 

What would be my biggest concern? Turbo problems?
You mean 500km is a long way for the car to drive? Or that's risky to make 500km just to see a car that might not be worthy?