with my 2004 V70 issues of service warnings taken care of by an upgrade of software, I am now seeing even more 'clouds of blue' being emitted on acceleration. The plugs I changed last week replaced a set of NGK that had a lot of oil deposits, and some other things also. I am looking at a 2008 V70, with an all new type of Ford designed engine, and I wonder - after 13 or so years, have any 08 V70 owners had serious issues? Since this is a transition model from the P2 platform first year, I usually look for the year after for consideration. But, I have gotten much service from the 04 V70, and am looking at a future move cross country - I don't think the 04 has it in her.
Thanks in advance !

Check the accordion hose that comes from PCV canister to top of the engine. They tent to disintegrate or broke below the intake manifold. You can replace the hose w/ out removing the intake!

The blue smoke is oil being burned, probably from the turbo seals which is normal for a car with a lot of miles and not enough oil changes. How many miles? Has the PCV been cleaned out/replaced? When you get a quart low on oil, consider adding a bottle of Marvel mystery oil - that can clean up gunk trapped by the piston rings (so I have heard). For regular oil changes, synthetic is a must!

How about a good high revving highway run. Third or second gear at over 4500 rpm for a few minutes?

As for the 2008, it has the 6 cyl engine. The first year had problems delivering reasonable mpg because the tranny gearing and software were not matched well to the engine torque. The turbo model was fun, the N/A was adequate. It has a timing chain which is good, but the PCV and throttle body still need cleaning once in a while.

Moving from what state to what state? If there are stricter inspection guidelines in the new state, don't bring the 2004. If fewer, drive the 2004 there and look for a nicer V70.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

thank you, Klaus our 2004 is a base engine - no turbo. I had a turbo in my Bertone coupe, loved it - but I just dont want the maintenance required to have one any longer. As for the pvc, I have never cleaned it out - I will look into that. I have always used a petroleum base oil - 10/30 and changed every 5k miles. It drinks a quart every 6-8 weeks, depending on use. We are looking at going back to the home state of my wife from California to Rhode Island. She has many family members there, where in Cali, I have a very reduced family. That is an excellent point - I have never considered what other states require for inspections - here In Nor.Cal, every 2 years we have a smog test, with no other inspections required.
Thanks again for the info. regarding the ABS Brake Fail warning - happened to my wife in heavy traffic yesterday - she experienced a sharp jolt (again like hitting a large pothole - but without the pothole) and the brake fail warning showed. She calls me, is very concerned - I let her know that it is just the system being odd, that if she has braking without issue, to ignore the warning. It disappeared when she parked at her destination, then came home 3 hours later. The 2004, I really don't think will make it cross country. 185k miles on it, will need strut/shocks soon. Really appreciate your information.

RI has the same emission standards as CA. RI also has snow and salt, the car body is zinc coated, but not the nuts and bolts under the car which can make it harder to work on. You might want to opt for AWD in your new state. The car market is smaller but Boston is pretty close.

Depending on family size, you might also consider an XC60 or XC90, with the 60 easier to park.

I am surprised the 04 hasn't blown any seals. Synthetic oil is REQUIRED. I suspect a lot of the oil passages are blocked with sludge, the PCV is probably 80% blocked, and some of the rings are stuck.

At 185K, your struts/shocks are over due by 40K. Check the brake fluid for color and level, it may need changing. You engine mounts are probably on their last legs.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new