Hi,
I currently drive a 1987 Volvo 240 with 203,000kms. Reliable as all hell.
I need to get a second car and have been tossing up between another Volvo 240, or going a bit more modern with a 1997-1999 Volvo. My only requirements are that it has to be a stationwagon and (hopefully) as reliable as the 240. Any recommendations?
Also, are any of the Volvos in the 1997-99 era rebadged versions of any other cars?
Han.
The most reliable used Volvo wagons are:
VOLVO 240 '91 & '92 VOLVO 940 '94 & '95 VOLVO 850 '95 - '97 VOLVO V40 '01 - '02 VOLVO V70 '99-00
I would recommend either the 850 or V70 unless you can get a low mileage
240. My personal experience is that the 850s are at least as good at high mileages as the 240s were.if you like the 240....try and find, and drive one of the 1992, or so 240 wagons...we had one and it was great, nice leather, some options, good stero, tow package, and it was a 240......i guess i would be looking to drive the latest 240 wagons made...i am guessing it was 92, 93, or 94...
V90 or 965 from the late 90s... For some reason rated as one of the least reliable Volvo's, but I can't see how... No one seems to complain about them on here, the Volvo dealer (maybe no one takes them to the dealer because indy shops are cheaper... our dealer mechanics are great, so we stick with them) we take our 960 to say they don't get in any aside from routine service, and the odd age related component replacement (that's all our 1993 has had... pretty much any 12 year old car would have had the same parts changed as ours... A/C seals, worn out shocks, exhaust, few lightbulbs... steering rack leaked, could be a problem in any car, or might last longer... every Volvo apparantly needs a new rad at around 10 years, we got 11.5 out of ours).
Are all these cars mentioned in the posts 100% Volvos (ie: not rebadged)?
Cheers,
Han.
My wife actually likes the V40 as it is easier to park and would actually fit in my small garage. Are there any common problems to be wary of with this car? What is the optimal mileage to buy this car at?
I'd be looking at an automatic stationwagon. Engine power doesn't concern me.
Cheers,
Han.
The 240's are very good, they didn't change much from the mid 80's on. If you want something a bit more updated feeling you could look into a 740 or
940, perhaps a turbo if you'd like a bit more zip.
Yes everything mentioned is.
The V40 and XC90 are rebadged, but the others have a true Volvo pedigree.
The V40 was originally developed jointly with Mitsubishi and was a variant of the Mitsubishi Carisma. The current model, the V50, is based on Ford's C1 platform, derived from the current Focus, which also underpins the next Focus, the Focus C-MAX and the Mazda 3. Volvo calls it P1 (for Premium).
The XC90 SUV was the first joint Volvo-Ford undertaking and was released in 2003 model year. Ford took control in 1998. The v8 version is strongly Ford influenced.
yes it's smaller but I'd say the rear wheel drive Volvos are easier parkers as they have much better turning circles.
M.
The XC90 was pretty much developed all the way by Volvo tho, wasn't it?
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