Hi all,

Currently I have an XC 1998 model with about 134.000 kms done.
It's getting time to buy another car and I have been looking at several options.
The new XC is out of sight, I don't like it and with the options I wanted it is getting extremely expensive.
At the dealer I have been offered 2 cars with a nice discount on both:

1 a V70 D5 manual driven with the Titanium pack (17" wheels), hands free telephone kit
or
2 a S60 2.5T AWD with geartronic, sport chassis, sport seats and winter pack, Nivomat and also handfree set.

My wife likes the V 70 because of it's storage ( we have 3 dogs) I personally would enjoy the AWD and 210 HP engine more.
Price is similar of both. The dealer has shown it's value through the years and always treated me superb.

However I had some problems with my XC, after 80.000 kms. the central diferential stopped doing his service and was renewed (expensive) also the ABS/Tracs control unit failed. Now I have one of my rear shocks leaking (Nivomat) and I had 3 sets of brake disks (no pads but disks) under my car (warped) as I like to drive my car as a motorcycle and brake hard and late.
The XC was bought when our kids were smaller and joined us every where, they now have their own car or motorcycle and rarely join us. The downside of the XC was for me the too plush and vague ride and the eternal vibration problem.
Vibrations stoppped for a while when I got my new center dif but lasted only 10.000 kms to be as it was.
Still I'm not sure that this is inherit to Volvo's AWD or only the XC suffered it.
My other options are the Saab Aero 9-5 230 TS (250 HP wagon), the Audi a-4 2,5 Tdi (180 HP) quattro or the Subary Legacy 3.0L H-6. Also Saab offers a 15% discount which makes this 9-5 Wagon with almost available options the brand offers similar in price as the S 60 AWD. The Audi is a bit more expensive but the difference is not big.
The Saab has a lot of power but handling is difficult on not smooth surfaces and ,mountain roads (torque steering).
The Audi has 6 months delivery!!!!!, the Subaru is cheap for the options it has, the very good AWD system but I woulf prefer an engine with more torque and low end grunt, which a six potter will never give.

Any thoughts? Pros. and contras? Help to make me decide.

Thanks

Crono