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New member, many questions

2K views 13 replies 5 participants last post by  lax01 
#1 ·
Hi, every one hope every thing is ok.

I just bought a 1996, 960, with 150K, for the moment every thing is just fine.... how long do you guys think that it will last with any problems at all?
I treat my vehicles like my sons, i'm very, very punctual to the services.

Regards.
Victor

PS. A drink http://********************/smile/emcocktl.gif for all of you.
 
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#2 ·
Re: New member, many questions (vdelgadillo)

Victor,

That is a hard question to answer because all cars are different. It depends on a lot of factors. How was the car treated before you purchased it? I have about 84k miles on my 960 without really any problems, but make sure that the previous owner has changed the timing belt.

The timing belt on these cars should be changed every 70,000 miles or else it will cost big $$$$$ if it breaks. Just so you know, the inline-6 used in the 960 is an interference engine. Another common problem with this model is that the exhaust manifold gasket might start to leak, but it is an easy fix.

-Drew
 
#3 ·
Re: New member, many questions (Drew@Swedespeed)

Are these cars considered generally reliable? The first time I posted here I was looking at a 850 Wagon and got some great responses to my request for info. That deal fell through and now I'm looking at a 96 960 also. Before I saw the car today I didn't even know Volvo made a straight-six. I'm a VW and BMW guy and am honestly pretty Volvo ignorant. Where is a good place to find out info (any) on this particular car without having you rattle it all off? I posted here instead of making a new thread because I think the person above could benefit as well. Thanks.

Jim
 
#4 ·
Re: New member, many questions (JZ)

Well, it's true that most people who own a certain car and have a passion for them will forgive minor things. That's what makes a person and their car unique, when you can live with the small things.
My dad just bought my mom a '97 964 with 73k. It's fantastic. Today is the first day we've had it and I plan on taking some pictures and posting them asap. You can check http://www.edmunds.com and go to Used and look at what people have said about the 96 960. But Drew does own one of the "bad" 960's in that it was the first year with the redesign. So, in a sense, it was like a first year model car. The second year, 96, should have all the kinks worked out. My dad paid $8500 after taxes and all the other things for our "new" 97 960. We gave them our old 91 945 with 184k. It's fantastic. If you can find a 96 960 or a 97 for around 13k, you can talk the dealer down to 10000 probably. The only reason we got such a low price is that the dealer was asking 10000 on the internet. That is where you are going to find the best deals. Try to buy from a dealer if you are not. You get a warrenty and all as you may know.
 
#7 ·
Re: New member, many questions (Drew@Swedespeed)

Beautiful car, what color is that?

I'm going to have my wife drive the car tonight. Yesterday she drove a Cherokee which she liked. The Volve is a lot nicer, but it's also more expensive. I hope the 960 works out, we'll find out soon enough. Thanks for the info.
 
#9 ·
Re: New member, many questions (Drew@Swedespeed)

I told the wife the 960 has heated seats and now she wants the Volvo and we haven't even driven it yet. http://********************/smile/emsmilep.gif

My little brother wants to know if you apply the brake and gas will the rear wheels spin? http://********************/smile/emhammer.gif

What are the hp/tq numbers and does it have a limited slip differential standard? What's the going rate for a timing belt change? I'm sure I could do it myself, how long do you suppose it would take? I'm trading an e34 525i, is the handling going to be as sporty? The 960 only weighs like 100lbs more. Sorry for all the questions. http://********************/smile/emsmile.gif

edit: With RWD and a straight-six I'm surprised this isn't the Volvo of choice for enthusiats, how come the other model forums have so much more traffic?

[Modified by JZ, 5:11 PM 12-17-2002]
 
#10 ·
Re: New member, many questions (JZ)

quote:

My little brother wants to know if you apply the brake and gas will the rear wheels spin?
Have not tried that one, but I don't think it would be too good for the engine and tranny.

quote:

What are the hp/tq numbers...
The 95-98 I6 has 181hp/201 lb.ft.

quote:

Does it have a limited slip differential standard?
It has what Volvo calls, "Automatic Locking Differential".

quote:

What's the going rate for a timing belt change?
70k miles for the 95-98 models, this is very important. There should be a sticker on the timing belt cover that shows this.

quote:

I'm sure I could do it myself, how long do you suppose it would take?
Check the link below, has some excellent info:

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineSealsBeltsVent.htm#960TimingBeltChange

quote:

I'm trading an e34 525i, is the handling going to be as sporty?
I seriously doubt it. The 960 series has some body roll, and was designed more as a smooth cruiser than a track car.

quote:

Sorry for all the questions.
No problem...

quote:

With RWD and a straight-six I'm surprised this isn't the Volvo of choice for enthusiats, how come the other model forums have so much more traffic?
The 850 series took away the spotlight in that regards, because it really showcased turbo technology and tuning potential. But in Sweden, there are some serious 960/S90's out there.

-Drew
 
#12 ·
Re: New member, many questions (JZ)

quote:

I feel like a real dummy now. All that info and we are picking up an 850 tomorrow or Friday. Thanks a lot anyways Drew. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif
No problem, anyways, at least your still in the Volvo family. http://********************/smile/emwink.gif

What kind of 850 did you get?

-Drew
 
#13 ·
Re: New member, many questions (Drew@Swedespeed)

quote:

No problem, anyways, at least your still in the Volvo family. http://********************/smile/emwink.gif

What kind of 850 did you get?

-Drew
94 850 GLT. Dark red, tan leather, 67k. No spoiler. Perfect except the airbag cover is peeling up and the outside black trim is a little faded. The dealer is taking care of the airbag cover, and the black trim shouldn't be a problem.

The main reason my wife doesn't like the 525i is because it's RWD. When I told her the 960 was she said no way. Plus the 850 is going to be a better deal anyway.
 
#14 ·
Re: New member, many questions (JZ)

I have a 92" 960 and it only has 149K miles on it. Great car and it can take a beating (took a drive with the S4 fellows http://********************/smile/emsmile.gif) The engine is bullet proof and we haven't add any major problems with it except a few oil leaks and Air Conditioning.
 
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