--- Few Volvo nuts' know this safety freak factoid: The 1994-95 Vovlo 940 was the first & last to have the ALL MECHANICAL SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION. An ingenuous mechanical solution I feel could really save your bacon in a side impact. That was one little reason I searched far and wide for this model. In a wreck the middle console drink holder actually folds inward via rods that run under the seat! The modern cars only have air bags to protect. Just my IMHO though I feel it's a VERY unique system -- an always made me feel allot better to have in an older car! This 1994 940 also features DRIVERS & PASS airbags. Volvo's were always way ahead with true safety innovation. They are also built very sturdily like a fortress with lot's of crush space! YOu can check of on this one -- as it may be mere myth. . . the Volvo 740 / 940 series did not have a driver- side death behind the wheel for a 10 year stretch --- this seems very hard to believe -- keep in mind this was the 80s/90s -- so before SUV's took over the road!! -- more info here at this vintage commmercial: http://youtu.be/wA09vM7Zufs
--- If you are a DiY upkeep car lover and lust for the last of the simple easy to work on cars . . . this is your baby . . . easiest in the easily hundred car's I have personally owne. TONS of room under the hood. Chang the oil flush the tranny with ONE hose and a bucket .. that's ALL.
-- the Turbo 940 *CAN* be VERY FAST. not necessarily so in stock tune . . . (just 0-60 in 8 @ the meager 7psi stock). EASY to TWEAK for higher PSI --- then it would be SCARY FAST 0-60 with few (if any) upgrades. I drive slow & in the country so STOCK is OK for me -- that's for the new owner to play with.
--- So many modern cars have weak transmissions!!
Not these classic Volvo's!! Sweden did not produce a good automatic -- so Volvo outsourced the best in the market. . . the TOYOT-AISN AW40 . . . a bus / van / truck transmission . . .. they last for ever .. they shift hard like the truck tranny they are !! Really really strong. Usually outlast the cars .. even with normal care. . . 400k if you don't tow (this car did not tow).
Knowing all of the above after many hours of research .. I went looking. It took me 2 years to find this car. . . it was not perfect but was the lowest mileage I've seen to date . . . 116 500 miles at the time of purchase -- a real rare bird. Not cosmetically perfect but at that point I was not picky!
--- The minute I got this car -- I started on a relentless upgrade path .. there are so many via IPD. . .. I have records and receipts for almost everything too. I have only put on (at time of writing this 22 500 miles in the 2.5 years of ownership I've had it (2nd car).
Here is a brief synopsis of the upkeep & upgrading I did:
I am omitting oil changes I have been using SYNTHETIC AMSOIL / or MOBIL 1 and changing every 3-4k miles.
PERSONAL SERVICE / UPGRADE HISTORY
Purchased 6/2010
--116 500 miles
-- New Lift Gate Shocks
-- 8/ 2010 Coolant flush with Zerex green
-- MPG check . . . 25.77 mpg mixed driving
-- 119 650 miles NEW Vented Brake rotors with semi metallic pads .. all 4 wheels -- I could tell the difference!
-- 120 000 miles fresh tires with 4 wheel alignment NEW NGK plugs NEW Volvo Intercooler hose NEW Fuel filter
-- 6/15/11 -- ALL NEW BELTS kevlar TOP COG premium. AC/ALT/PS/WATER.
A/C system charge up
-- NEW 5000 kelvin HID High / Low Beam dual ballast 35 watt light system Phenominally bright! (see photos)
-- AMSOIL 10w40 oil change routine added MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG. @125 600 miles
-- 129 700 NEW Canadian made KELLY SNOWTRAKKER extra tread SNOW / ALL WEATHER TIRES went up to 205/70/15 SIZE (big handling improvement).
-- 133 511 added ANOTHER HID lighting system (the first was so geat) this time in the factory FOGLIGHT housing). The brightest real EURO SPEC GLASS HEADLIGHTS you'll ever see!! These are 2-3 times brighter all together than even a new LEXUS or BMW can deliver but still don't blind other drivers!
Also about this time took it to Paul's Volvo. They did about $900 in labor cleaning throttle body new PCV system and a new intercooler hose.
-- CREE LED Brake / Backup lights!
-- 3/8/2012 @ 133 991 miles --- FULL TUNEUP with IPD kit NGK plugs DIST CAP & BUTTON / ROTOR and BOUGICORD WIRES! new THERMOSTAT HOUSING and Thermostat (prev. maintenance sake) NEW OXYGEN SENSOR.
--- NOW for the real upgrades!! @ 135 000 miles:
-- New IPD Performance (normal ride level) SPRINGS FRONT .
-- NEW IPD REAR HD springs REAR.
-- New Koni type front struts bushings bearings etc.
--- NEW MONROE adjustable load AIR - SHOCKS with fitting.
--- NEW FRONT & BACK IPD (famous oversized type google them) SWAY BARS with POLYURETHANE BUSHINGS.
EXTRAS only if you want. . . -- NEW Cross Tread heavy duty rail mount Roof Rack. ( IN PHOTO but NOT INCLUDED. I WILL KEEP these unless buyer wants for add + $100) -- Great for Kayaks and Ladders hold up to 400lbs!
-- ADDED a BLUETOOTH / IPOD / IPHONE 4 compatible media center DUAL BRAND very nice. IF YOU DON"T want I will deduct add + $40.
The above work parts and labor cost around $1800 above. All of these parts have fewer than 5k miles on them car rides firm but not stiff. And handles flat like your Dream Volvo wagon could!! (Much like a rally car) Not "cheating" like a lowered import would be. This car handles AND has real ground clearance.
HISTORY:
--- I am the 3rd owner. All previous owners NON-SMOKERS. Car has a pretty solid history. Owner 1 was a perfect Volvo person. Dealer service all the way. I have some of the original records. Owner 2 used as a work vehicle had kids but was good about upkeep. Some dings and and broken plastic minor parts as result. 3rd owner (me) -- non smoker I like a car that handles but I drive like an old lady (adult). I never dip into the Turbo more than half way! NON SMOKER NO TOWING.
-- Engine transmission interior paint ALL ORIGINAL. (many cosmetic flaws -- not a car for the perfectionist in you)
-- The engine & turbo are STRONG originals. The Head is a rebuilt one due to an event with 2nd owner who spent big bucks for a head gasket and timing belt service @ 100k.
PROBLEMS or UPCOMING CARE:
-- Uses about 1qt of OIL per 2000 miles. Always has normal I hear for an older Turbo 4cyl Volvo of this mileage.
-- Timing Belt though it was done @ 100k to I plan on doing it soon easy on these cars (1hr for any moderately skilled person) because it's right in front. . .
-- Check engine light CEL is ON. Comes on sometimes not sure what for I think it's an ongoing IDLE PROBLEM from the IAC controller (a $50 part). Stays off for over a week if reset. So not a big deal.
--- A/C is ICE COLD but the switch panel is sometimes persnickety. I have a replacement if need be.
--- various aging hoses and an oil change.
--- IDLE is a little bit rough. SEE above IAC controller. Needs a tune up / tweak.
-- GAS GUAGE is intermittent the SENDING UNIT is FINE. It's only a cold solder joint / connector. 1hr repair directions on Google. I use the odometer so have not to date bothered.
