You are going to love the Autobahn! I have never had a problem with the B pillar, of course I cannot drive the new P2s. The rearview mirror and painted windshield block my forward vision (my eyes are higher than the rearview mirror). While in Europe, look into getting some Euro headlights. They are expensive, but the beam pattern is better than US DOT.
Remember, keep right except when passing, and it is ILLEGAL to pass on the right. And watch the rearview mirror as much as you look forward. All unattended cars must always be locked.
Unlike the USA, pickpocketers are prevelant in cities, so keep your passport in a money belt and your wallet in a front pocket. Do not talk louder to be understood, just slower... most Europeans took English in school but they do not understand slang. Say fill the tank with petrol, not fill'er up.
Have lots of fun,
Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

I am on my second XC (04) my first was a 98’, it made 98,000 miles when I traded it in. As for my 04’ no real trouble with the car, as for any blind spots no more than any other station wagons of similar size or SUV for that matter. As for the Pirelli tires just topped thirty five thousand miles and tires look great. Just need to do the usual maintenance as you would for any other tires. In my opinion, the car is great for average driving with some off road. Just like any other car of this type there are maintenance issues when it comes to AWD vehicles. But if this is what you want, “do it".

Good Luck

Borton has the Euro split-view wide-angle mirror glass for $95.

http://www.borton.com/parts.html

DOT makes Volvo sell the cars in the US without the curved mirror-- and there is a huge blind spot. I have the Euro mirror on my '98, it makes a world of difference.

BTW, Consumer Reports recommends the XC70 and V70 as new cars.

Most of the skepticim here involves questions about buying the newer Volvos as used cars when they're out of warranty. (Then the fun really begins!) Do look into the extended warranty that Volvo sells.

Good luck!

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)