Faults:

Inherited the car from Grandparents so I know its history. Has had a lot of mechanical work expected of the age and mileage (suspension, differential, brakes, etc) and the car has been looked after very well since 1991, never missed an oil service.

Radiator had a leak and was replaced.

Cosmetically looking rough, expected after 30 + years. No rust, just some dented panels and missing trim. Inside is the same story, a bit rough but has stood up well over the years.

General Comments:

A stunningly large and comfortable car, this 940 is one of the last of the "real" Volvos.

2.0 petrol engine is slow and poor on fuel by today standards. But it soldiers on like nothing else.

The car has real presence on the road. People stop and talk to you and always tell you how they knew someone or had one in the family back in the day, with good reliability.

I plan to keep it as a use-able classic.

Faults:

Two electrical problems have left me needing a tow; both cost about $400 each to fix.

One was in the shift locking mechanism, and the other was something that regulates the spark in the engine. Pretty obscure.

Otherwise the car has run like a champ.

General Comments:

I did extensive research before buying this model of Volvo. I checked out the 850 wagon as well, which was definitely smaller, lighter, and sportier (and generally less reliable), but it seemed that most folks were saying that the 940 was the last of the truly great, solid, reliable Volvos. This has largely been the case. I love this freaking car! It is a weird combination of tractor and sports wagon, meaning it is heavy and boat like and hauls a ton, yet still somehow taut and flat in the corners, and with the turbo it gets up and goes! It can haul so much in the back (including my 6 foot 6 body laying flat!). The seats are some of the most comfortable I've ever experienced, including Mercedes and Saabs.

Look for one that has been maintained. I searched hard and found one that had been owned by some wealthy folks who religiously took care of it. Everything works, including A/C and cruise control and all of the power windows. The sunroof is really big which is nice. To me, the car looks sharp, boxy sure enough, but definitely it has some character. The leather and paint still, after 23 years, look really good.

Not a day goes by that I don't feel a little bit smug and happy that I was able to buy such a reliable, sporty, practical old car for $2300. As has been said on this forum before, there was a real pride that the folks who made these cars put into them. They were built to last, and they do.

One thing to know is that gas mileage is not great. I average about 20 MPG. It is possible to get 24 MPG on the freeway by driving 55 mph, but I don't often do that. The turbo model is geared for sportiness, not efficiency. The non-turbo 940's get upwards of 28 MPG I'm told.

I've put 18,000 miles on her this year, and am looking forward to many more. A great car for road trips.