900 Cars: Should I buy this car?

[quevatre]

Hi,

I have the opportunity to pick up a 1997 940 auto estate for hopefully a couple of hundred quid. I've previously had 145, 245, 850, 960 and XC90. The idea is to get rid of my BMW X5 and go back to a luxury old hack which will run for a good few years yet. I live in Guernsey and so do very few miles. The car in question has been sitting idle for 2 years with (apparently) a knackered alternator and a flat (dead?) battery. Aside from possibly rusty discs and seized calipers, is there anything else to watch out for? this is the 2.3 model. Is it a turbo? Haven't lifted the bonnet yet - going to visit tonight. If it is turbo, are they a hassle? Will it have Nivomats on the rear like my 960 did? How easy is a tow bar to fit? It doesn't say GLE or anything on the back so any idea of what to expect spec wise? My wife loves heated seats.

So may questions!!

Cheers

André

[capt jack]

I went back to Volvo RWD last year after having had more ‘modern’ cars, and I’ve not regretted it for a nanosecond.

Spec for this one is anyone’s guess but I think that all 900-series do have heated seats as standard.

Aside from the brakes other items you’ll possibly have to consider would include the fuel tank and any contents, the fuel pump and injectors, the coolant, radiator, heater matrix, thermostat, clutch if manual, autobox and fluid if auto.

Rubber generally doesn’t like being left idle, so any seals and O-rings could be a bit tired, plus of course the tyres. That list would have to include door and sunroof seals, any number of seals in the engine - rear main crank being a prime candidate.

Above all a cam belt change would be essential I’d say.

But it is a Volvo from the time when engineering quality still mattered.

If you’ve the wherewithal to tackle any issues then it has to be worth a go!

And don’t forget that a few years ago 200, 700 and 900 series cars were worth nothing, but that is definitely changing for the better.

Jack

[tofufi]

Looks worth a punt to me

As above, the quality of these cars is great. I'm still doing 10k/yr in mine... Mechanically they're durable in both turbo and non-turbo form.

[quevatre]

I have now shown my wife the car and she didn't run a mile! The inside is a bit smelly but I think this will clean up . There doesn't appear to be any water ingress and theres no real rust! I have uploaded the chassis plate (I think) so if anyone has any advice, I'd be grateful.

[griston64]

It's a B230FK 2.3 Low pressure turbo. I assume you've worked out it's an automatic

[griston64]

1997 Year

[PRainbow]

Do it! One wash and polish and it will look amazing. Another weekend changing fluids & checking brakes, then another cleaning inside and you have a car for life!

[biggbn]

Loved mine,proper cars, go for it. Worst that can happen is it doesn't work out, your a few hundred quid out of pocket and someone from here buys it...the epitome of the Relay Volvo...best thing, it works out, your a few hundred quid out of pocket,you get a good few years out of it, then someone from here buys it...not the 4x100 Relay in first scenario, more a marathon Relay...you will never be stuck with an old Volvo, it can either be fixed or somebody else will pick up the challenge!!

[S60D5-185]

If you do buy it post some before and after photos please, I would love to see it after it's even just had a thorough good wash.

It looks to me like it may well be worth a punt. and as Biggbn say's you have very little if anything to loose and potentially a good car to gain.


Buy it!!!!

[volvo always]

Make sure underneath is solid. sills, outriggers jacking points.

My 1996 940 LPT auto is, but worth checking. Same colour and engine too. Mine on 200,440 miles and goes fine and reliable.

James.