Well, I gave it a good try, but I will be selling my 2009, newly purchased XC70. I have had it for several months, and my conclusion is "I don't like it". Why? I have had a list of Volvos (142, P-1899, 240, 740, 760, 850, S40) as well as Mercedes 300te, BMW2002, MGB's, VW's and a favorite- Porsche 914.
I really enjoyed the 850 wagon, but it hit 250K, and was not so reliable any longer- gave it to my son. I wanted to stay in the Volvo family, and felt that the newest incarnation of it would suit my needs (wagon, comfort, some level of luxury). What I found was a slow, poor handling gas guzzler. It's almost too heavy! I just don't enjoy the 'driving experience' while in that car....and, I love driving. I feel quite isolated from the road, not the experience I had with my prior cars . So, I am going to wait till Spring and see what I can do. However, I am stumped. I had considered the Subaru Outback (interior space, better mpg, reliability) prior to the Volvo, but the wife wanted a higher level of luxury. Back to the drawing board. Since the car is an Pre-Cert Owner vehicle, there remains a warranty, but I paid top-dollar for it. I will lose money on the move from this car, but I am sure that most of you (car nuts) understand that the driving experience is a large part of car ownership.