Thanks for the input everybody. We still have a couple more weeks before we need to do anything, but this will definitely be handy information.

There are 2 generations of the V70. Those 2000 and earlier are called 1st generation and those 2001 to current are 2nd generation. The 2000 you mention is the "old style," and reliable. The first year that Volvo made major changes...not only to interior but also the exterior shape...a bit more bulk at the top of the doors all the way back to the tail... and other mods, like engine size, different transmission, etc. was 2001 (2nd gen.). I would avoid the first year (2001) of the 2nd gen. as there were still bugs to work out. So, my opinion is go for the 2000 or 2002 if those are you choices. The 2003, if you can find one is even better! I own a 2004 V70 2.5T and have had no issue with it what-so-ever...but then again, I've only owned it for a couple of months.

As an earlier post said, it's best to avoid the first year of a new model. Also, if you want AWD, definitely get one of the newer ones, after they changed the AWD system (sorry I don't know what year that was, but I know the old system had some problems.) And I've read here that the 2001 V70 is on the Consumer Reports list of used cars to avoid, for what that's worth (i.e., CR tends to value frequency and cost of repairs over all else--that's an important issue, but not the only one.) I have an '02 and am very happy with it. It has the normally aspirated (non-turbo) engine and does just fine, but then it's flat as a pancake here in Chicago, if there were hills I might be missing the turbo. I say this because if you go for the turbo that's one possible big repair you could be looking at down the road.

Happy hunting!
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Mark 2002 V70 11k

From what I have heard, people either love or hate their V70 of any vintage. The first model year was '98 so as a rule, I would avoid that one. Otherwise, I think the condition of the car, the mileage and service records should be the deciding factor. I would also suggest avoiding turbo or AWD models if buying used - more can go wrong and the repairs can be more expensive. I am a happy '99 V70 owner.

IMHO I would not purchase a 98 V70 AWD. As it stands I wish a meteor would fall from the night sky and plow the wife-mobile into the earth. (with her safe in bed with me of course) Perhaps it's just ours, but we've had issues.

First was a ignition/stalling problem that the local (in Germany) dealer could not fix. Turns out it was a grounding issue that had to do with the california emmisions. We had to call a dealer stateside to get the fix, then tell our dealer the fix.

Then the air pump went out. That was BIG bucks.

Then the driveshaft going aft is leaking from the front gearbox. The dealer tells us "don't fix it now. wait until it starts making lots of noise." Huh?

My wife is going to school 60 miles away (30,000 a year on a car) so I bought an 88 240 to put the mileage on. I just couldn't afford the maintenance costs on the V70 AWD.

Okay, I'm done whining.

-Chris
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88 245 DL (185k miles) | 98 S90 (75k miles) | 98 V70 AWD (86k miles)