Hello there. I've recently been looking at a 1994 Volvo 940 station wagon, turbo with 88K miles. So far, the maintenance appears to be pretty good. The owner is a marine mechanic and seems to know turbos, and the issues that keep them running or not. He professes that he's used Valvoline oil the entire time he's had the car, and has changed the oil every 3,000 miles. What I do know is that the interior is immaculate and it appears as though the wife has driven the car most of the 88K miles. No apparent damage from accidents. They did replace the transmission because they say the radiator cracked at the bottom and the transmission sucked up coolant and ruined the transmission. The cloth interior is yellow/tan and the exterior is white which is a favorite of mine. Now I'm also wondering why this car does not say "intercooler" on the rear and whether or not the car has one, or if that is even important. Does anyone know who makes the turbo for this car? Are these cars generally reliable and what do people know about these wagons, and wagons with turbos. I've had nothing but Toyotas, and if they made a wagon, I wouldn't really be looking for a Volvo, but actually, this one drove very nicely! What can I expect in terms of longevity? I do service my own cars and have no hesitation about doing so. I'll likely be using synthetic motor oil and transmission fluid in the car (unless someone objects with good support for not doing so). Tires are for matching Goodyears, which shows me that the car was not Mickey moused. No third seat, however, oddly enough, I have a black one I pulled from a wagon in the junk yard some time ago.
Additionally, I'm really confused about the numbering and lettering on the Volvos. This is a 940, so how does that compare with the 240's (which I know are now not being made after 1993 or so), and the 740's. I can't quite figure this out since I think that the DL, GL, GLE etc. indicates trim levels. Geesh, this is confusing. Oddly enough, this 940 does not have any letters behind it. What the heck is that about? Are the leather seats nicer/better than the fabric? And, just what do the letters and numbers signify?
I'm curious if this motor, which the owner says is the original motor but he says, is also used in the 240's, is it a particularly good motor? I know some of the 240 motors were actually better than others (i.e. stronger and better suited for use with the turbo). The price of the car is about $6,000.00 which I'm guessing is reasonable and not earth shattering, but fair according to what's being sold locally. I sure would appreciate any ideas from those of you who have had Volvos in the past, as this would be my first experience, and if those of you who've actually had this car recommend it, I'd be willing to stray from the Toyota line to see. I plan on using the car to drive people around and need a good reliable car that looks good and works well. Thanks again so much, and Happy Holidays to all!!
JB