Advice needed, looking to purchase a Volvo 960.

[aidan101]

Hi All,

I'm looking at purchasing a 1995 Volvo 960 GLE 2.5 24V petrol (5 speed- manual) and have a few queries I hope people may be able to advise on or have an answer to.

1. The lower wheel arch section of the rear bumper on both sides of the vehicle is pushed out, at first I thought a rear shunt, although after close inspection of the inside of the rear bumper, there is no other evidence of this. Are there clips that hold this section of the bumper in place? Or has anyone seen this before and can explain it?

2. Fuel consumption, my research is suggesting 25mpg is this accurate for the 2.5 24V inline-6-cylinder petrol engines?

3. The vehicle in question has a nearside steering ram that has seepage, has anyone taken the steering rack off their 960, how successful was the work & did you come across any snags?

4. Any other advice or areas anyone would suggest checking before I put my hard-earned cash on the table and own my first Volvo?

If any more information would help please let me know.
Thanks in advance!

aidan101.

[classicswede]

1 most likely the plastic clips as the side of the bumpers, typical parking damage rather than rear end shunt

2 the auto does low 20's so 25 sounds about right for the manual. They are a little low geared, I suspect with with a taller diff ratio the consumption could be into the 30's

3 the steering rack is easy to change and can be done in a hour. I do exchange racks. Check the rubber hoses that feed the rack as they can leak

4 check for water loss. They are at an age where head gaskets need replacing. I have had a lot of them to do recently and it is a costly job. Radiators are prone to leaking at the crimped seam but easy to fix and not overly expensive. Watch for a sagging rear end, the nivomats fail causing teh rear to sag but most manuals are standard rear dampers. Wrinkled door cards are hard to find good replacements for