Good day Everyone,

I have some general pre-purchase questions. First, I'm looking at the 960 or 850 because I want a rear-wheel drive wagon. I currently I have a 91 Ford Taurus with 325k Miles and it is just flat worn-out. The Taurus just needs everything-it is just a beater car now...

I want to know what should I be looking for in a 960 or 850 wagon?

What are the pros and cons..?

My requirements are I want rear-wheel drive(easyier for DIY mechanic to work on), power is not an issue, and I'm looking for ODBII car(easier to trouble-shoot emmisions components-here in California we have manditory emmisions testing every other year for every vehicle)

I know these engines have aluminum heads and blocks, so I guess they are very prone to blowing the head gasket because of old coolant causing corossion?

How are the transmissions in these cars?

Any other pre buying tips to watch out for?

Thank you,

Martin

 

If you want a RWD wagon, then 960 is the one you'll have to get, for 850's are only FWD. If you want OBDII, then you'll have to look for a 95 or later. I have a 93, with OBDI, and it has been very easy to troubleshoot, although I've only had to replace one thing on it within the last 2 1/2 years, which was the O2 sensor. The 960 also has a 6 cyl (compared to a 5cyl on the 850) The 6 cyl is a very solid engine, I've seen a fair amount with over 200k, the biggest thing is changing the timing belt at the scheduled intervals, if the timing belt snaps, the whole engine is more or less ruined and is very $$$ to fix. The 95's and later have independent rear suspension, with an open diff (I think), whereas the 94 and earlier have a solid rear axle with an electronic locking diff (very helpful if you live in the snow). 960's only came with an automatic, 850's can be had with either a standard or auto. The 850 is a bit more modern and smooth all around, though from what I've read on this board they seem to have a few more issues pop up than 960's of similar age. If you must have RWD though, 960 is your only choice.

 

Thank you ZMontgomery,

Thank you for the information. I guess the 960 is the model, but are the pre-1995s fair betterif the timing belt breaks? How are the 940s. My Tuarus has a timing chain, and the engine has never been opened for any kind of service, but it needs struts, cv-joints, heater core, A/C seals, and paint-the car is just plain old, but very reliable-

The ideal wagon for me (DIY Service perspective)

Rear wheel drive - easy to pull the transmission for service

Timing chain -No belt to changeChain will last the life of the engine

Shocks- easier to change than struts.

ODBII-easier to troubleshoot

 

all 960s have a belt, and it needs to be replaced every 30 or 70k miles I believe. The 940's have a chain, and a very solid 4 cyl that is super easy to work on, only problem is 940 does not offer OBDII. Both have struts in front, shocks in rear. Some of the 960 wagons have self-leveling nivomat shocks in the rear --which some say is a PITA, but I have not had any trouble with mine--

 

I agree with zmontgomery I would go with the 94' as the oldest as the timing belt was widened that year prior to the 95 fix but the 94 also has 201hp where as the 95 and later in the 180's due to emissionregulations. I have a 94' it is great it really moves on the highway in sport mode sorry to admit I have been 130mph but itfeels like myMercedes. The taurus was great though, had a sable(same thing)went 150K no problems minus water pumps then trans quit and it was put out to stud. I am of no service as far as the 850 goes but I think the 960 is easy to work on as it will be a requirement for a car of this age.