Okay, the family hauler for the wife, boy and me is a '01 Subaru Outback. Its got 54k miles on it and the drivetrain warranty goes out at 60k. I recently had one of the head gaskets replaced, and from what I hear, that's pretty routine for these cars. I don't mind dealing with that as long as I don't have to pay for it, but what happens when the warranty is gone? Yah, I know. I get to eat it.



I've been looking at an older Volvo as an alternative. A '93 940 Turbo wagon, to be exact. Really nice looking car, leather interior, 127k miles. Obviously well-cared for. Idled smoother than any 4-banger I've ever seen. It's bigger, WAAAAAY peppier, and I'm thinking of punting the Subaru and getting this. I could pocket a few grand for the difference in price.



Does anyone have any experience with these older Volvos? I hear they can last damn near forever, but I also hear that the little things that do break cost a small fortune to fix. Please advise me! Thanks!

 

My friend has an 89 5-speed, it has 280,000 on the odometer, second engine, first went out at 220,000, then he bought a junk yard engine for 650 and put it in himself....and tha thas lasted for 60,000 miles so far

 

my aunt has a 95 N/A one that has 300+k miles on it.

 

At our family gatherings, the lot is just full of volvos. My aunt traded in a brand new infiniti to get an older volvo. Evidently, you can't go wrong with a volvo. I doubt you'd regret it, and you have the peace of mind that comes with the safety of a volvo.



Then you can upgrade the turbo, etc.

 

Volvos look nicer, too.

 

Yea, they are safe too.

 

my old bass has an 86 240 wagon with the ipd suspension on it and it handles great!

 

All youse fockers did NOTHING to talk me out of it!

So I'm going to pick the car up this weekend. You wouldn't mistake it for new, but it looks damn nice for a 10+ year old car.



I think the first order of business will be some new struts up front. What do y'all think? Koni's?

 

Any good places to buy Volvo goodies other than IPD? I just checked out their website. Nice selection. Anybody deal with them?

 

IPD is good, I've had a few dealings wtih them. Just for little things but even into Canada they're good.

My Dad's wife had a Volvo, traded it a few years ago(Subaru). . now wants it back.

So, I'd say your on the right path.

"Volvo: They're boxy, but they're good."