Hi all,
I've given up finding a good condition, low mileage x40 wagon in my area, so am looking at a 2003 V70 that appears in good shape. Just shy of 100k miles. 5 speed, basic model (no power seats, no sunroof). Lady owned and driven since 2006 (don't know who owned it before). Seems to have been well maintained, from the records she showed me (oil changes every 5000 kms, etc.). The car drives well, is clean, looks good. All windows work and all controls. Almost as roomy-looking as my old 240 wagon!

She said that a couple of years ago some "clutch line" let go when she was out of town (hydraulic line I figure) and she had to "get the whole clutch replaced". I haven't seen the record of that. Possibly line let go at slave and clutch got soaked... They replaced the rear engine seal at the same time. Other than that, fairly routine work (recently some front ball joints and bushings, AC compressor, rear wiper motor, ABS sensor). No indication of any accidents, except a minor collision into the front bumper that was repaired.

The only obvious thing I can see that hasn't been done is the timing belt, which I assume is almost due. So I'm trying to barter the price down based on a timing belt and possibly water pump replacement. A recent safety inspection (haven't seen the report yet) indicated front brakes 80% remaining and rear 90%).

Sounds like a good car, what do you think? In a way I'd prefer an older one, more readily user-maintainable, but as I said they are getting rarer than hen's teeth. I'm not crazy about being dependent on a shop or the dealer for the "check engine" code troubleshooting...

Thanks for your thoughts.