I was reading the recent issue of Consumer's Reports and the give the model years 1999 and 2000 the best ratings and best buy for the XC70 series. Any input from those of you out there that drive them every day? I'm looking to get one for my wife and the family vacation car. Also, I know they are turbo charged. Is it was considered a light turbo and when does the turbo kick in?
In normal driving, does it not engage and only kick in when the accelerator is punched?

Thanks for your input and advice.......

I have a 2000 v70 xc. I bought it about a year ago with 44K miles. It currently has 65K miles. It's been fine. My wife drives the car and loves it. That's all she wants to drive. I did buy it as a "volvo certified pre-owned" label/warranty. Recently, I had to have the electronic throttle system replaced, about $900 worth of work. It makes it substantially easier to enjoy the car when the repairs are paid by someone else. Whichever model you choose make sure it has some kind of extended warranty.

I have a 2000. It has been nothing but trouble, $500 and $1000 at a time. It is a great driving machine but mine only has 78,000 mi on it and I'm ready to get rid of it. If I do sell this car, and I might add I've bought several Volvos new and a lot of them used, it will be the firsr one I've unloaded with less than one hundred and fifty miles on it although most have gone more than two hundred thouand and several 140s and 240s(because they quit makeing the 140s)have gone well over three hundred K. I met a guy that that had several year models of XC and claimed they did improve each year amd was waiting for his 2005 I belive to arive from Sweden in a week. He had driven it all over northern Europe and said he liked it brtter than his 03. For what it's worth.

I have heard to avoid the 2001 early production cars, like from october or earlier. I have one from february 2001 with 60k and so far we love it (bought it used from the dealer). my plan is to buy from the dealer, get a car with all service records at the dealer and negotiate down until they practically throw you out, then ask for one last thing just before you sign the purchase agreement. I asked for the cross bars on the luggage rack. I guess 2002 and beyond are good as well.

I would stay away from the early XC models. I owned a 98’ and had a lot of little problems with the car. Now, I own a 04’ and love it. As for the turbo, normal driving the low-pressure turbo works just fine. Sometimes at high speed you may get a little turbo lag but not much.