1991 Volvo 960 3.0 litre from Finland

Summary:

Stable autobahn cruiser

Faults:

The lock on driver's door broke down - replaced it with a central locking system, and the engine is leaking a bit of oil, not too worried though.

General Comments:

This car has been great. I bought it during the heatwave last summer, and it hasn't disappointed me. A/C gets the car cool almost instantly, and in the winter, it heats up great. Fogs up quite easily though.

The ride is so comfortable and the handling is precise, much better than in my old 940.

The engine is powerful, and makes a great noise when pushing the pedal to the floor. Acceleration at first isn't that special, but after you get past 20 kmh, it speeds up real fast. I even tried the top speed one night, and it still did 200 kmh with no trouble, felt like we were going 100. Steering didn't wobble, and not much noise either (now that I think of it, the engine might have started leaking after that).

The sound system is surprisingly good too, for a 20 year old car.

I have some minor issues with some equipment though. For example when I'm closing the sunroof, I have to push this one part down, otherwise it won't close, and also the left side mirror only moves in two directions. Vanity mirror has also fallen off. But those problems didn't really matter to me, so I haven't fixed them.

In short, great trunk and passenger space, powerful, good to drive (prefer my Volvo to my dad's new S60), reliable and comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2011

1991 Volvo 960 3.0 inline six from Germany

Summary:

High end representative estate wagon

Faults:

Electronic motor management refused service and switched off enginge due to failure in "Lambda-Sond" - replaced for 30 €

Crushed two alloy wheels after an unlucky slide on icy roads - replaced two years later.

Air condition was out of order - refill with isocon 49 and no problems ever after.

Door locks sometimes not clear for use, especially in winter (wet and cold in Germany)

General Comments:

I had the car restored almost all over with new bumpers and painting in 2001 - beautiful job of our local Volvo dealer.

The acceleration at kick down is enormous - regarding the heavy body.

The 960 is a very silent and comfy car, with acres of room inside and a decent exterior. Compared to the 940 it is the better, thus more expensive choice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th February, 2003

14th Aug 2006, 14:41

1991 limousine was a bit expensive to keep. Radiator, one exhaust valve, back springs and shocks, never ending trouble to keep the exhaust pipe in place, sunroof working disorders, fuel meter and clock working only sometimes - and it was just about 100 K driven. Too much trouble in an executive class vehicle. You need a company with solid income to survive with it.

In reply to 14th Aug 2006, 14:41

31st Mar 2011, 19:09

The first issues you had are normal wearing parts? And maybe you should have let a proper mechanic install the exhaust so it would stay in place.

The clock and fuel meter problems are quite common and easy to fix, although I haven't had any problems with them, and doubt many 960s have.

The sunroof part I must say is true. Although old sunroofs rarely work that well. Mine leaks water in the car wash, and also doesn't close properly; I have to manually press one latch. That would be an easy fix, but it doesn't bother me that much.