Replacing my 760 with something "newerish"

Discussion in 'Volvo 760' started by M.R.S., Jan 21, 2006.

  1. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest

    Hi all,

    I've been toying with the idea of getting a replacement for my ageing '87
    760. It runs well, still quite rust free (the rockers and doors are mint,
    the only thing that is rusting is the roof!!!).

    I've considered buying a newer Volvo. I like the 960/V90 Wagon, but I want
    a car that's manual this time!! No more autos.

    I like the (although kinda boring) styling of the V40, and LOVE the
    V50/S40!!! (I'd like either one of the new 40 series cars!! hot! :)

    How are the S40/V40 (early 40s)? Fun to drive? Easy to live with? Easy
    on fuel? (turbo gasoline). I guess they require premium fuel because all
    the ones I've seen are turbocharged.


    I'm not really a fan of FWD, but if I have to, I'll live with it. Did I
    mention I love the stylinbg of the new 40 series cars?!?! ;)
     
    M.R.S., Jan 21, 2006
    #1
  2. M.R.S.

    James Sweet Guest


    I met a guy not too long ago with a V70-R wagon which was a 5 speed
    manual. If you're looking for a newer Volvo and want a stick, you should
    check out one of those, it was a sweet car.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 22, 2006
    #2
  3. In <NyBAf.1239$jO3.204@trnddc07>,
    Volvo's geartronic system used on the new S40, V50 (and upcoming C30) gives
    the best of both worlds - at least I think so.

    AC
     
    Aawara Chowdhury, Jan 22, 2006
    #3
  4. M.R.S.

    James Sweet Guest


    Bah, that's just an automatic that can be manually shifted. Has the
    complexity, weight and torque converter mush of an auto with further
    complexity of the manual shifting stuff, worst of both worlds IMO.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 22, 2006
    #4
  5. In <hICAf.1254$jO3.820@trnddc07>,
    You ever driven one?

    AC
     
    Aawara Chowdhury, Jan 22, 2006
    #5
  6. M.R.S.

    John Horner Guest

    How about a 940? I'm not sure if Volvo offered it in the US with a
    manual tranny though.

    IMO these vehicles are much less likely to give you the kind of long
    term durability your 760 has delivered.

    John
     
    John Horner, Jan 22, 2006
    #6
  7. M.R.S.

    John Horner Guest

    To each there own, but the so called auto-manuals I have driven are all
    jokes. What is the point of a pseudo-manual transmission. You still
    have the mush and energy loss of the torque converter.

    Drive what you like, but every manual shift automatic I have tried has
    been best simply left in automatic mode. I doubt that 1 in 100 of the
    people who own such vehicles ever bother to "manually" select gears once
    the initial novelty wears off.

    John
     
    John Horner, Jan 22, 2006
    #7
  8. M.R.S.

    James Sweet Guest


    Nope, that's why I didn't mention the 940. It is possible to convert one
    though, should be doable with parts from a manual 740 though the manual
    940s in Europe got the nicer M90 transmission.


    I'm not convinced of this. I prefer the older RWD cars but FWD Volvos
    have been around for a while now and I've personally seen 850s with
    nearly 300K on them, that's doing pretty well IMO. They're more complex
    but still well made cars.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 22, 2006
    #8
  9. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest


    I've driven many cars with "tip-tronic, shift-tronic, gear-tronic,
    selec-tronic, sele-speed", whatever you call it... it's pretty lame.

    I've raced cars (GT racing) for 8 years, and well... yeah, manual is MANUAL
    (unless it's a sequential up/down selector setup, you can still "miss a
    shift with it, or pick the wrong gear!!).

    If I had that feature, I'd never ever use it, ever. Heck, I wonder why cars
    have the PRNDL12 anyhow... just have PRND!! period.

    I don't mind the 2001-2004 S40s, they look "ok".. I don't know how good
    they are (reliability wise).

    I CAN tell you, man... my 760 has been awesome from day 1! It was bought
    new by us, and passed down in our family. It's now 19 years old, B280F,
    never had a valve adjustment, original rad and hoses! (yeah, ticking time
    bomb, I know).

    Anyhow, I think the new cars are probably built quite well. I haven't seen
    any rusty 850s around!! I'm also seeing a lot of 850s with SUPER high
    mileage. I don't want an 850/S70/V70 though.. not really lovin' that car.


    Otherwise, I might opt for a 960/V90 Wagon with auto.. use it as my tow
    vehicle for my race car. (I do it with my 760! )

    Cheers
     
    M.R.S., Jan 22, 2006
    #9
  10. M.R.S.

    James Sweet Guest

    Only one, and after a few minutes I just stuck it in auto mode. I love
    manual gearboxes, but I just couldn't see the point of the manually
    shifted auto, whatever Audi calls theirs. Once you have the complexity,
    weight, and torque converter lag of an automatic transmission, what's
    the point of shifting it yourself?
     
    James Sweet, Jan 23, 2006
    #10
  11. James...have you driven in any of
    the "R" wagons yet?....If so, what
    were your impressions?...thanx....
     
    ~^ beancounter ~^, Jan 23, 2006
    #11
  12. M.R.S.

    James Sweet Guest


    I wish.. I've been in one of them but I didn't think it'd be appropriate
    to ask the guy if I could drive it.
     
    James Sweet, Jan 24, 2006
    #12
  13. M.R.S.

    Johan Plane Guest

    Is it only the stickshift you're after? Or is it also the RWD? Me myself, being
    a Volvo owner for decades have always had the wagons, 145, 245, 265, 965, will
    get either a Mercedes or BMW next time, since i *hate* FWD in wintery
    conditions. With RWD one can at leat control the skids and slides a bit.

    / Johan
     
    Johan Plane, Jan 25, 2006
    #13
  14. M.R.S.

    M.R.S. Guest


    However, Audi/VW does have a manumatic, dual clutch transmission. It has a
    unique system, no torque converter. Acts JUST like a manual (internally),
    but it is all shifted electronically with syncros and forks!! But it's
    automatic!
     
    M.R.S., Jan 26, 2006
    #14
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.