I just bought a 1998 V70 T5 for a very low $4600. I love it. It's the most exciting (read fast) Volvo I've ever owned since my first 122S in college. I've always owned at least one Volvo. Having said this, I need to say that owning Volvos can be difficult, annoying and outrageously expensive. I do all the work myself with parts from FCP and eEuroparts. If I had to pay someone else to do the work, I wouldn't own Volvos.

My "new" V70T5 has required all sorts of work even though it was in very good condition when I bought it. All new brake pads and rotors, both front door check stops, a complete tuneup, torque and front engine mounts, a rear door lock mechanism, changeover to Mobil 1, and the list goes on and on. Lots of little broken, rattling and cracked plastic parts too. Even had to replace a broken dipstick and tube! Already had a P0108 CEL which may or may not come back.

Can you do the work yourself? Are you mechanically inclined or challenged? Do you know a trustworthy independent since using the dealership is out of the question. If you're looking for reliability, buy Japanese. If you're looking for safety and that European feel with 100HP per liter, buy a T5.