Best Volvo Wagon to Buy? Potential Buyer Inside!

"04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches." (04sneaky) 10/08/2013 at 12:53 • Filed to: Volvo Wagon, volvo, wagon

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Alright everyone,

I have conversed with the girlfriend and she is aware, although not enthused, on my desperate desire of a Volvo Wagon. So, I'm reaching out to you fellow Opponauts to see exactly what I should be looking for!

This is mainly going to be my DD, however I planned on doing a little bit of modding and major tuning-up before throwing it into DD status. I wanted a turbo model and prefer a manual (of course) but would be happy with even an N/A wagon. I had planned on either taking the block apart and giving it a run through at some point, given that most have 100,000+ miles, or swapping in a lower mileage motor or turbo motor if found cheap. However I'd like it to be able to get me through winter before I absolutely HAD to do anything to the motor.

So is there a particular model or year anyone recommends? Any particular issues I should look out for? I'm a fan of 850s, but open to anything!

tl;dr version: Recommend a Volvo wagon that won't have my girlfriend throwing me into the lake afterwards.

EL_ULY > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 12:55

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Parts diagrams, wiring diagrams, tech support, just hit me up buddy. Volvo master tech/ parts guy :]

look for V70's

Nibbles > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 12:57

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The 850s are pretty damned reliable, save some of the crappy electronics and emissions junk (air pump likes to drown itself). Judging by your criteria, I'd say any 850 wagon would be your best bet. The V70s were nice, but they introduced a lot more electrical problems. The manuals seem to be pretty hard to come by though.

850s can generally be had for little money as well. I purchased mine for $800.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 12:58

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I'd buy a V90... 'cause RWD all the things.

FireSpittingV12 > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 12:58

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V70R, 6 speed manual

505Turbeaux > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:00

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grab an 850 turbo wagon. Not going to find a 5 speed, but they still rip. The swap is not hard if you want to go deep and have one. My V70R is a great car, but not for the faint of heart to fix sometimes. My 850R wagon was faster and more reliable. Turbo is easier to find and bump up to R level. Find a 96 Platinum Edition if you can, they made 500. Here was my wifeys, it was perfect (platinum sedan also in background)

FireSpittingV12 > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:03

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505Turbeaux > Nibbles 10/08/2013 at 13:04

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agreed, buy an 850, do the timing belt and the PCV trap replacement, and you are good for some time

duurtlang > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:05

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Depends on your budget, really. As you want a Volvo I wouldn't pick a V40, because Mitsubishi. Neither would I pick a V50, because Ford Focus mk2. If you want a daily driver I wouldn't pick a 240 or something older. If you want RWD there's the 7x0/9x0/V90, which I'd only pick if you really want RWD. If not, there's the 850 and V70. Which one to pick out of those depends on your budget. If you live in Europe you could get a V60 as well.

04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. > Nibbles 10/08/2013 at 13:22

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I'm not really a huge fan of the front-ends on the V70s. I like the car otherwise, but the looks department loses me a bit there. I had a feeling I'd be pushed more towards an 850 from a lot of people. Now just to go on my hunt for a manual!

Brewman15 > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:24

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Well, like everything, it depends.

240 wagons are a bit smaller and lighter than the 700/900 wagons, so a lot of Volvo guys prefer those. They also seem to have a slightly bigger aftermarket for the suspension and body. It's also a bit easier to find a manual in a 240 from my experiences.

700/900 wagons are the stereotype boxy wagons and are my personal favorite. The Volvo board refers to them as the grandpa Volvo. They usually have a few more creature comforts than the 240s but are bigger and heavier. Luckily, nearly all 200/700/900 share the same red block engine architecture so engine parts are easy to come by and cheap.

The 960/V90 wagons were the last RWD wagons. These are by far the most comfortable and cushy of the wagons, but they also only come with a 190 hp N/A straight 6 and 4-spd auto in the US with little to no aftermarket. They also have the unique transverse leaf spring rear suspension. The interior is a huge improvement over my dated '93 945 interior. My next project will probably be an LS-swap into a V90.

I think everyone else is spot on with the 850 wagons. They were/are very underrated. I really like them but you'll have to settle with a N/A engine if you want a manual unless you're willing to do a swap.

Lately, I have been eyeing early 2000s V70s. They're rare, but you can get the turbo engine with a 5-spd manual, and if you're okay with buying a car with higher miles they can be had under $5k like this one .

Of course, there's also the amazing R-wagons. They're rare but out there. I thought this one was a pretty good deal.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 10/08/2013 at 13:25

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With a getrag swap. I like where your heads at.

liquid_popcorn > EL_ULY 10/08/2013 at 13:26

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Do you have info on older Volvos too? I have an 83 240DL (B23F 2.1L, AW70), and once I start digging into it next spring I may need help, haha.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR 10/08/2013 at 13:30

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Ahh.. the US never got the M90 tranny?

The Swedish Bandit > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:31

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Late model 940 is the way to go. Though pretty hard to find in the US from what I've heard, if you can lay your hands on one of these gems you're truly in luck. Some of this car's greatest features are;

RWD

Manual

Turbo

Wagon

Volvo's "Redblock" engine, as in basically the same type of engine that has driven that famous P1800 for 3 000 000 miles.

Ultra reliable and easy to work on.

Your GF will most likely throw you into a lake afterwards.

But all the seats fold down so afterwards you'll be able to have some snuggle time in the back.

And if you're even luckier you might be able to find the 7-seater version, perfect for all those future kids that are going to be made in the back of it...

EL_ULY > liquid_popcorn 10/08/2013 at 13:36

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Yes sir, some might be though my VIDA page and some on the old book catalog (older). Let me know what ya need buddy when ya get there

Checkin' Pockets > duurtlang 10/08/2013 at 13:39

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Though the v/s40 is in the top 10 most reliable used cars of the past decade. A fair bit above the volvoier volvos. Not that they got bad marks either lol. I did the same search before I bought my 328i a few years back and was looking at 850s. Woulda gone v70r if mileage wasnt such an issue.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 10/08/2013 at 13:41

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Nope and importing them is more expensive than just finding a BMW getrag and swapping it in. Pretty sure. I read up on 960s,s90s, and the like a long while ago so this is from memory.

ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:42

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Hey if you can find a wagon a woman likes let us know. For some reason women HATE wagons. Look at a V50 R design.

BarryDanger > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:45

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Buy mine! http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4048151879… I have mountains of maint records.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR 10/08/2013 at 13:49

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Ahh, well, perhaps just a complete swap with a drivetrain from an E36 M3 or E34 M5 would be an even better solution then ;)

DailyTurismo > 04sneaky - Boxers. Blowers. Bikes. And bitches. 10/08/2013 at 13:50

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I'd do a 6-spd equipped V70R , you can get them for less than $10k nowadays.

2nd choice is any of the various V8 powered Volvo 240s on craigslist any given day.

Long Live the Longdoor > EL_ULY 10/08/2013 at 13:54

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Off topic: any idea how reliable the C30 is with the T5 engine, or perhaps some things to look out for?

Volvosaurus-Rex > duurtlang 10/08/2013 at 13:57

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There are no RWD (2xx, 7xx, 9xx, V90) turbo manual wagons for sale on Autotrader in America right now :(

Plenty of Autos though, do you know if the swap is difficult (no fabrication)?

duurtlang > Checkin' Pockets 10/08/2013 at 14:03

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I guess the V40 makes a decent enough car, but for someone actively looking for a Volvo I'd pick something else.

Checkin' Pockets > duurtlang 10/08/2013 at 14:08

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Agreed

EL_ULY > Long Live the Longdoor 10/08/2013 at 14:12

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Key is keeping an eye on the flame box (oil filter housing). Negative crankcase pressure needs to be as far from 0 bar as possible. If not, say bye bye to the cam and crank seals. New flame box last anywhere from 8 months to 3 years. Control arms and shocks are also common item on those (depending on environment and driving style) Those cars are pretty solid dude. When they come to my shop (if maintained well and not treated like ass) usually just come in for routine stuff and wear items. A/C filter is kinda of a bitch to replace but you get use to the tight squeeze after a doing a million a day (tip: use hand tools). Does have a timing belt, complete kit (pullys and tensioner) required every 100k or 10 years. Find a clean C30 with a newish flame box and shock/control arms, and you'll own a fun to drive turbo charged car that handles well and picks up hard if you give it huevos. A fresh one like that will hold up forever. No common trans, brakes, engines issues to report from me. good luck on your hatch hunt.

liquid_popcorn > EL_ULY 10/08/2013 at 15:56

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Awesome, thanks! I definitely will, haha.

Ian @ Jewel or Jalopy > ZeroOrDie - Powered By MZR 10/10/2013 at 00:36

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My wife loved our BMW wagons, both the 525it and especially the 540it. Just have to find the right wagon. A Volvo might not be it.