Well - We've been the proud owners of a '96 850 wagon for 13+ years now (280K miles), and are starting to look at replacing the beast. It is the best car we've ever owned, with the occasional evaporator headache, but other than that, very, very reliable. I've seen some ads for an '04 V70 (turbo, AWD) with low miles (<50K) at reasonable prices ($14K-$18K, dealer certified). My concern is that Volvos aren't what they used to be (for one, do they still build 'em in Sweden?). I've read some stories about the transmission and brake system failing at <100K miles. Is there any truth to that? Any other issues that I need to be aware of?

Nice car, comfortable. There is a clean 2006 at Paul Moak in Jackson, MS, only 42,000 miles. They are a reputable agency in my experience. I was tempted but it's a bit bigger and more plush than what I need at this stage in my life (and it's automatic, which isn't my preference). Recently there were two V70s in Memphis at the dealer there.

The 5 speed automatic is now a good one. The ABS module may still bite at about 80K miles, but the brakes still work very well.
The only major gripe I have heard is that the seats are not as comfortable as the 850 seats? That was rectified in 2007.

I forgot to look to see what part of the country you are in, but the V70 is being severely discounted. Check all of the online car stores, not Ebay, and see what dealers are really charging.

Example:
http://myfox9.carsoup.com/used/detail.asp?usedvehicleid=6358985&makeid=77&minyear=2005&maxyear=2010&searchid=Q2705&vehicletypeid=1&uvviewid=4&page=1&certified=0

Check autotrader.com in your area. You might find an 06 for a good price.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic.

Hi Klaus - well, we bit the bullet over the weekend, and bought an '07 V70 with 37K miles on it. The wife did complain a little about the smaller interior compared to the '96 850, but the improved MPG makes up for that. 'Will keep the old wagon a little longer (still running strong, but will need 2nd evaporator). Would the ABS module be covered under the 100K warranty? Any other issues we should expect?

Bernie
'06-850/'07-V70

Good car, the last year for the 5 cylinder engine and great mpg. The 100K warranty will cover everything you don't want to DIY. Yes, the rear cargo area is slightly smaller than the 850, mostly because the rear hatch is rounder and better soundproofing. At least there is a cargo cover to hide stuff. And the AC will work!!
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My name is Klaus and I am a V ♂ lv ♂ holic.

I can't comment on the reliability of the 2004 models, but I can tell you it's possible it was made in Sweden.

Just so you know it's quite possible/likely that your 850 wasn't made in Sweden. Wikipedia says it either came from Torslanda Sweden or Ghent Belgium.

I am currently driving 1998 V70 from Ghent Belgium, which Wikipedia says could have been built in either Torslanda Sweden, Ghent Belgium, or Halifax NS Canada.

The same page lists the second gen V70s (2001-2006?) as being built in either Belgium or Sweden (they closed the Halifax plant I think in ~1998).

The same page lists the third gen (2007+) as being built exclusively in Sweden.


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1998 V70 AWD Turbo 180k+