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.
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.
The heater core goes and you rate the car terribly?
Got a 96 Volvo 960 cheap $6000 but I spent $4500 on cambelt, water pump, tensioner, idler, pulley, control arm bush, wing mirror, 2 front shocks, new steering rack, washer pump, sway bar bushing & link, flush trans oil and whole lot of little things.
I must say that these cars are amazing. My 960 (facelift) 3.0 Estate has now just turned over 180,000 and runs a treat. A few battle scars and the air-con needs a re-charge, but it all works and will drive anywhere! Very safe also. I know of many with over 200,000 miles with no major problems. These are tough, safe, versatile and very comfortable cars. Well done Volvo!
I bought my 960 wagon 3 years ago with 80 K on it. I've just turned over 200K and this car still runs as powerfully and quietly as the day I bought it. I've done nothing but routine maintenance on it. Minor (to me) glitches: the gas gauge stopped working about a year ago- took it to my mechanic and they said it would cost about $250 to fix- I said I'd just watch the mileage, which is easy and what I do anyway b/c I always get a reliable 24 mpg on the hwy. The previous owner had replaced the brake pads 3 times within 80,000 miles! I've replaced the rear once in 120,000 miles. How you drive and MAINTAIN a car makes a huge difference. I have never regretted buying this car.
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