People often ask us what used cars we recommend. Don't forget that the particular car and the shape it's in are usually more important than it's type. Also, don't forget to get any used car checked out at a good shop, preferably one that specializes in that make of car--they'll know what's normal and what's not, and they can give you a good idea of what you have to look forward to in the life of your new car.
Over the years, we've come up with some generalizations about cars we work on. These opinions are the result of our experience and not scientific research, so take them for what they're worth and take them at your own risk. Here are our ideas about some years and models of Volvos:
S70 and S60(sedans) and V70(wagons): The S70 and V70 were introduced in 1998, with the S70 giving way to the S60 in 2001. They are basically improved 850s and are very nice used cars, although the 2001 S60s and V70s seem to have had more than their share of glitches. Most of the 70 series information also applies to the 850 series (see below). There are 3 levels of performance available most years (high-pressure turbo, low-pressure turbo, and non-turbo) and your choice of manual or automatic transmission on most models. The high-pressure turbo often comes on cars with a rougher ride and more expensive tires due to their high-performance suspension. Starting in 1999, the service and timing belt intervals were extended resulting in lower maintenance costs.
All Wheel Drive (AWD): The V70XC (Cross Country Wagon) and some sedans and wagons come with all wheel drive. If you don't have a specific need for AWD (going to the snow a lot, for example), it is best not to buy a cross-country wagon or the AWD S70 or V70. All the AWD cars require precise tire-matching (which in turn requires that you occasionally discard one or more tires that aren't really worn out). The purchase and maintenance costs are also higher. If you do need AWD, we suggest that you get a 2003 year model or newer, since the system was changed to be more forgiving of tire variation that model year.
S80 Models: Luxury cars. Very comfortable, very safe, good performance, higher maintenance costs.
S60 Models: First made in 2001, the S60 replaced the S70(last made in 2000) in Volvos sedan slot.
S40 Models: The smallest Volvos available, they are popular with our customers that own them. They are not, however, as nice as the fuller-sized cars.
850 Models: These cars have front wheel drive, which was a radical departure from Volvo's traditional rear wheel drive construction. As a result, the steering has a different feel, so check it out--you may either like it or dislike it. It's best to avoid the first year--in this case 1993. We recommend looking for a 1995 or later model.
960 Series (and S90 sedans and V90 wagons): 960s are the luxury Volvos of their era. We strongly recommend not buying a 1992 960--the timing belts that year were poorly designed. In fact, we are giving a "Don't Buy" recommendation for the 960s and the S and V90s despite the fact that they're rear wheel drive, comfortable, and very safe. At first they were quite reliable, but in recent years they have had too many large (read "expensive") problems.
940 Series: The 940 series is the last iteration of the noble 4-cylinder engine family that first appeared in the 1976 240 with cast-iron blocks and aluminum cylinder heads (called red engines). Cars come in turbo and non-turbo models and, like the 740s and 240s before them, are rear wheel drive cars. We think they're a good choice as a used car. Try driving one before you buy it and check for visibility to the rear, especially if it's a sedan. And remember the cautions in the 700 series section below about 16-valve motors and Regina Rex injection systems.
700 series: First, stay away from 6-cylinder engines and ZF transmissions (a transmission with design flaws found in some 700 series cars from 1985-1987 --if your automatic has a button on the side to switch in and out of overdrive, it's not a ZF). It's also best to avoid the Regina Rex fuel injection system (a somewhat rare setup found on some non-California, non-turbo models) and 16 valve motors (usually found in 740 GLEs from 1989 on and in some 940s).
700 series cars come with turbo and non-turbo engines. Turbos are more fun; non-turbos are simpler and therefore less expensive to buy and maintain. With a little luck, the difference in maintenance and repairs between the two is not as dramatic as you might think, but it's crucial to keep a turbo's cooling system (radiator, hoses, water pump, etc.) in top-notch shape. We can install a coolant-low warning system as added insurance. The 740 is the basic model, the 760 the luxury model. 700 models were given safety features like a driver's air bag and anti-lock brakes sooner than 240 models, especially 760s. Starting in 1988, 760 turbo sedans come with independent rear suspension.
1989-1993 240 models: Good safe cars. Starting with 1990 they have driver's side air bags, starting with 1991 they have anti-lock brakes, and the 1993 models have air conditioning designed for modern refrigerant so you don't have to worry about retrofitting away from R-12 (the older refrigerant that is no longer being produced for environmental reasons).
1985 DL and GL models and 1986-88 240 models: Good economical used cars. Worth keeping up due to their Volvo-ness; they're safe, comfortable, and long lasting workhorses. The fuel injection and ignition systems are among the most reliable found on Volvos, somewhat simpler and more reliable than the 1989 and up 240s. The 1987 and 1988 manual transmission cars have a 5-speed transmission that can break and is expensive--automatics preferred.
1983-1984: Although many of our customers get a lot of use out of their 1983 and 1984 DLs and GLs, we don't recommend buying these years as used cars. The B23 engine was only made for 2 years and is gutless even for a Volvo. Their cost of repairs, which is higher than for the years before or after, seems too high to make these cars worth it.
1977-1982 4cyl.: Workhorse cars but very old by now. A candidate for the low-budget owner or for the learning-to-drive teenager.
1981-1985 4cyl. turbos: Too high on maintenance, too low on performance.
Cars with 16 Valve Motors: Strongly not recommended.
All cars with V-6 motors: Strongly not recommended.
