Faults:

Radiator went out at 100,000 miles, which seems to be normal for this model.

Rotors warp easily. Replaced 3-4 times. Though this may be specific to my car.

Heater core went out at 130,000 miles, cost a fortune to fix (pull the dash out) and now the car smells like anti-freeze (and you really really don't want to be inhaling that stuff!). Had the car professionally cleaned to get most of the anti-freeze cleaned up.

Defective glue on doors causes leather to come off. Bothers some people.

Paint scratches and chips easily, most noticeable on front bumper.

Other minor fixes here and there, not too expensive, normal up keep maintenance.

General Comments:

Has a pretty solid safe feel about it; driver, side and passenger air bags. This was one of the main reasons I bought the car.

The driver seat is well positioned in the car and the center dash is tilted towards the driver so everything is easy to reach. Though the co-pilot seat seems to be a bit of an after thought. Not too roomy and a little less plush. The back seats are nice though.

Good sound system.

Sun roof is nice.

Mileage is decent considering it's an older card and has a V6, probably getting around 20-25MPG.

The major problem with this car is that when (not if!) the heater core goes out it sprays anti-freeze all over the inside of the car. I was able to get most of it out, it pools up on the bottom of the floor in the indentations in the metal. You have to remove the carpet and padding and clean it up. But it also gets in the vents, and I don't know how you'd get it out of those. Nor does it evaporate since it's an oily substance. If you check the warning labels on anti-freeze you'll defiantly not want to be inhaling it, it makes smoking look perfectly safe.

Faults:

Air conditioning compressor went at 120,000 miles.

Transmission "PNP" switch failed at 110,000 miles.

Replaced water pump at 122,000 per dealer advice.

General Comments:

While very reliable, they are VERY expensive to maintain, MUCH more so than my previous BMWs. I bought the Volvo because my last BMW (a 540i Touring Car/Wagon) had so little interior cargo space compared to the 960 wagon.

For instance, the dealer charged $1200 for the A/C compressor, $800 to repair the PNP (?) sensor in the transmission (the car thought it was in gear when in Park and wouldn't start), and the water pump (part only) was almost $300 (Plus labor). Even the small plastic clips that retain the window trim was $12.00. The dealer also seemingly keeps no parts in stock, and everything must be ordered for my car.

On balance, however, the 960 has been a wonderful car, and at least the equal of my beloved BMWs, albeit at twice the maintenance costs whenever work is needed (however seldom).