Before buying any Volvo, do a Google search. Like, "Volvo S80
problem", that should, to say the least, open your eyes and not your
wallet. Another good search is "Volvo 240 crash".
Saty away from the new ones, since 1999. Of the old ones, the 240,
preferrably a '93, is unbeattable for common sense safety. ABS, air
bags are real nice, but if it boost your confidence about how safe you
are and you end up taking more risks, than you are not better off.
Turbos have often been abused by their owners and will cost you a lot
more dough to fix and maintain. Non-turbo 240s with Bosch platinum
plugs and hi-grade fuel will give you a nice kick, in particular if
you floor the gas.
740 and 940 have the same engine than the '93 240. Just slightly more
modern in equipments and trim. Also, the '93 240 was the first 240
with air bag for driver and A/C using the "modern" gas.
The 850 are front wheel and because everything is so packed under the
hood, it always cost more to fix than 240/740/940.
The 760 is a very nice car, if you can find one. I know, I had one.
It was my only Volvo with a turbo.
960/S90 are super cool, but parts are pricey. Forget any prior to
'96. The best is the '98, the last year of the rear wheel drive, the
last year of the true Volvo and the last produced under Volvo
ownership.
I've had many 240s in my lifeand they are unbeattable for common sense
safety. Still have one, a '93
For teenagers, I would get the safest car possible and make it cool.
Like tainted window (so they can ... in the car without being seen),
as well as a premium sound system. Make sure the sound system is not
one of those that can be stolen and installed in another car.
Otherwise it won't last long. I had one stolen in one of my 240s.
Fuc**** dumb thief was not smart enough to use a piece of metal to
easily unlocjk the door. He broke the window frame, broke the window
and damaged the dashboard. I replaced it with one with a front plate
detachable. Never had a theft since and it makes 4 years I have it.
Hope it helps, that's all the time I have.