I've had a Volvo 850 Sedan (1996) that has served me pretty well, but need a wagon now that I have a dog and kid on the way. I've looked around some but am still tending to go with a Volvo V70. Looking at something with low-ish mileage, say 40-80,000kms. Seems I have a range to years to work with, 2002-2005 at the Volvo dealership. Any prefered year, or should I just go with the newest vehicle? I've seen one 2001 with 90,000kms as well that seems in good shape. Suggestions??

'98 or '02 and newer...avoid the '99-'01's as they have the dreaded ETM that goes bad...even though Volvo warrants them now, you just want to avoid the hassle anyway and the possiblility of your car dying in the middle of a busy intersection, especially if you have a dog and child on the way. Just my 2cents. Look on Autotrader.com and check out your local newspaper, etc. for deals. Avoid the dealer unless you want to pay the $$'s.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

Thanks! Good advice. I appreciate it.

I second the notion of steering clear of the 99-01 series V70! I currently have a 98 v70 AWD and it has been great, while a friend with a 99 has had several incidents with the ETM! Plus I'm preferential to the older body style and interior layout. BTW my V70 is for sale 120k fully loaded about 6.5 hrs from Montreal (S.Ont).

Mike

I have had my 99 V70 (98k miles) for a year and got a recent recall for a headlight switch and ignition upgrade. Is this a fix for the deaded ETM problem or am I still due? Thanks

My general impression (I am no expert) is that Volvo has agreed to replace the part when it fails but that there is no real solution to the problem.

-BTC

There is a recent software upgrade for ETM's that haven't failed yet and they are all the rage. Most everyone who's had it says their car drives so much better, smoother and has much more umph.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

A dealer in Timonium, Maryland, did the ETM software upgrade for me. I can not obviously tell if it has any benefits. There is no obvious power change in my V70 (non-turbo), and the highway mileage is about the same as before (30 - 31 mpg at about 75 mph with 2 people and baggage).

The headlight upgrade wiring is stupid. They installed a length of wire with something in a tube, probably a resistor. I think it must reduce the voltage to the lights to prevent the bulbs from burning out as quickly. The service fellow said customers complained about short bulb life. Odd, I never had any bulb problems whatsoever and to reduce the light output seems a dangerous way to go. I'll just take out their useless extra bit of wiring harness.