Thinking of upgrading from 86 740 wagon

I've had my 86 740 wagon for 10 years now and I just love it, best car I
ever owned.
Have been thinking of upgrading to newer Volvo but everything I look at
turns me off, plus I can't seem to keep track of all the model name
changes.
Basically I would like a younger version of this car with all the added
safety features etc.
I know the last rear wheel drive Volvo was the 97 V90 (right?) but those
seem to have poor reliability ratings. (right?)
I'm not opposed to moving to a front wheel drive 850 or whatever they
call them now but I can't see myself in anything other than the standard
brick design (so no swoopy Fordvos, hate em).
Hell, I'm considering moving to another brand if I can't find a fitting
Volvo, but thats a last resort.
Advice, anecdotes, thanks in advance!

 

There's lots of models to choose from, but to me it sounds like you're
looking for a late model 940 wagon, something like a '93 or '94 would be a
good choice. The other models you listed are generally fine too though I'd
avoid '93 850's.


If you love the car you have though you may wish to just keep it, it's still
a very safe car, but a 940 will feel very much the same except newer.

 

hello volvo fan,
how about complete restoration?
or get a new v70

 

In UK 1998 was last rear wheel drive Volvo (V90). These cars were top of the
range and had no faults other than the odd one which developed with age and
usage. Engine is the Inline six of 3 Litres with about 203 bhp in
USA/Canada, 204 bhp UK/Europe. Gearbox is AW 30-40 with it's own Electronic
Control Unit (Winter/Sports/Economy settings). It was the earlier 960s which
had a question hanging over their reliability due to a batch of porous
blocks. In 1995 they had a complete suspension revamp giving IRS to the
wagons for the first time ever. The suspension was 850 style and the wheel
offset was changed to the 850 value. The rear IRS had a Carbon Fibre leaf
spring across the axle from hub carrier to hub carrier. Nivomat shockers are
standard and a stiffer leaf spring could be obtained from Volvo.

From the information given above I would go for a 940 wagon from 1995 MY
onwards, or a 960/V90 wagon also from 1995 onwards. The 960 in UK/Europe had
a choice of 3 Litre I-6 or 2.5 Litre I-6. The smaller engine could be had
with an M90 manual gearbox or autobox.

Cheers, Peter.

 

*drool* I'd just about give my left nut for an M90 gearbox, dang things were
never offered over here