SuperstarMasiah, you should definitely get a Volvo. They're reliable, safe, and drive nice!
If you're looking at a 90's model, get the 850 (the kind I have). Any of them made from 1995 (I think) on have side curtain air bags. Also they're front drive, the others (240, 740/760/780, 940/960) are all rear. But they're all good too.
All of these models hold up well, just make sure you keep up on the maintence to avoid costly repairs. I hear a blown timing belt on an 850 causes the engine to go bad and the repair is about $4K. I'd rather pay $300 or so for a timing belt before it goes (I might get a new one installed within the next month, my car has 62K and they recommend replacement around 70K).
Also, if you live in a warm area, watch the A/C on the 850s. The original units tend to go. Not sure if the other Volvos have this problem. Mine currently has no A/C, but I live in PA so it's no big deal unless it's July or August, in which case I just pop the windows. My car does have heated seats though.
As with any car check your tires when you buy it. Not just for wear and tear, but also for performance tires. I've heard Volvos are at their best only with performance tires. My car came with Michelin MXV4+ when it was new in 1996 and got another set of these tires about five years ago. This week it's getting its third set of MXV4+. The tires aren't cheap but do go on sale now and then. Also good is the Michelin Pilot but they cost more and the upgrade isn't too significant.
Price-wise, a 1996 850 without the turbocharger (the one I have) is worth about $5K. A 1995 would probably be less. You could look at a 1993-1994 but you wouldn't get the side curtain airbags. I know a 940/960 is usually a bit more; they were at the start as well. Your best bet for cost would be a 240 or 740/760/780--a used 240 for under $1000 isn't out of the question but I'd check a car that cheap pretty closely. They made 240s up through 1993.
A few other pointers: On most 80s-90s Volvos you can tell the engine type by the middle number. If fuel economy is important and you are torn between a 740 and a 760, the 740 has the four cylinder. However, the six is more powerful in those cars, especially the station wagons. The 900 series works the same way with the 940 and 960 (the 900 series is basically the second generation 700 series). The 240s all have four cylinders, and the 850 has an inline five.
The 780 violates that rule. It has a six cylinder and not an eight. I think they just did that to designate the two door variety.
The cars were renamed midway through 1997 (and revised slightly). If you see a Volvo S70 or V70, it's an 850 sedan or wagon, respectively (but slightly revamped). The 960 became the S90 and V90. Also the C70 (original) was based on the 850/S70 platform. These were the last cars made before Ford took over Volvo.
Another recent model you could consider is the S40/V40 (the old model of this was the 400 series over in Europe but it wasn't imported for the USA until 1999, if I recall). It's small, is really easy to parallel park, and might be able to be obtained for a good deal (I'm not too sure on the going prices of this one). I got to drive one earlier this year, a 2000 model, and thought it handled really nicely. I loved it so much I'm thinking of buying the new generation of it when I someday get a new car (although my 850 will probably last me at least another ten years).
If you choose to go the VW Van/Bus route, be aware there are the microbus, the Vanagon, and the EuroVan. They were made in that order. My only concern would be parts and also safety. I did see an old microbus (circa 1970) with seatbelts and a car seat installed at the mall though. With the old Microbus you'd likely have to restore it or get a restored one. That would be a bit much. Vanagons and EuroVans aren't too common around here, perhaps in your area they are. My mom used to have a 1997 Plymouth Voyager, it was a nice van--although it was obvious it was American in the way it drove and rode (if you're a Euro car guy you can tell the difference although it isn't always clear on some Acuras and Lexuses--I've spent a lot of time with an older Acura Legend and it feels European to me).
Sorry for the length of this, but I love cars!
