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davidjudd2 is correct but forgetting some important things too.
Depending on how well the particular car you're looking at has been cared for, you could well be in for a good deal of work/money/both.
With that said, I don't think I would characterize these cars (some call the 93 850 - 2000 S/V70 the P1 cars) as 'way harder' to DIY. There's more equipment, so I guess that leads to /more/ DIYing, and some of that equipment certainly has less than stellar longevity. But for most things, the lifespan is at least reasonable - it just so happens you're looking at buying a used one which means more things will be coming up then if it were new.
Also though, they really are a better car in most ways you can measure. The ride is better, they're quieter, they have more power and usually better fuel economy. The engines are quiet and smooth (if your engine mounts haven't died!) and they have great safety features like ABS and a (though somewhat simple) traction control system, and a much MUCH stronger and safer chassis. Not to mention the WHIPS seat system and the airbags (1995+ models have side impact bags in the seats too - a first in the world I think!).
About the only thing I can say I miss from the old RWD cars is the RWD (feels nice on the road), the lack of squeaks/rattles (these new cars have more to be sure), and the turning circle (which is admittedly pretty stellar in the 2/7/900s and maybe not a fair comparison).
Now going over all that, with a new baby on the way I would be pretty much only concerned with two things: safety and reliability.
The more safety for mom and the baby the better.
Reliability to me means no worries of breaking down anywhere ever, esp when you won't be in the car to rig it up to get home. A stranded wife (and baby!) sucks sucks SUCKS! Also, you are going to be stressed an tired from all the 'new baby' stuff and won't want to be stuck laying under your car all night.
With those two things in mind it's pretty tough to beat a Honda... if only the were selling that euro Accord wagon eh?
These cars are pretty safe esp for their vintage. And they're perfectly capable of being reliable, but it takes some patience and time and money. And if you can't DIY it takes mucho money. I would count on about 2 years of slowly picking away at things to bring the reliability all the way to where you want it, and probably around $1000 - $1500 in parts.
I have to say though, if it were me, I'd be looking for something with 'stability control' which with Volvo started with 2001. And generally on this board 2001s are considered bad news, so really 2002 or preferably 2003, with DSTC.
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1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+
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