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Thanks Klaus. I appreciate your input on this.
It's useful to know about the strut lifespan. I was wondering what I could expect, maintenance cost wise, if I were to buy this V70 which is just on the cusp of 100,000 miles. Timing belt and water pump, obviously, but what else?
I actually came close to buying a 2004 CRV fully loaded with leather, sunroof, etc. Only 50,000 miles. While I was mulling over how to deal with a deferred possession date (seller needed it until mid-August), someone else made a better offer and snapped it up. It rode like a fairly new car, but one thing I noticed immediately is that the sides of the seat bottom pinched into my hips. I've heard those cars aren't the most comfortable for long-distance driving. Whereas the Volvo V70 (cloth seats) felt instantly very comfortable.
I also looked at an 83 MB diesel wagon (I love the W123 series and have a 240D sedan) and was tempted, but it's getting long in the tooth and probably hides a lot of gremlins.
Not much else has caught my eye, in a wagon configuration. So I've gone back and asked the V70 seller if it's still available. I figure most people balk at the 5 speed, which I actually see as an advantage (especially since she had the clutch replaced). Mind you, my GF doesn't drive standard (not yet anyway) and so could not share the driving on long trips...
I need a wagon not only for city driving, grocery getting, estate sale shopping, but for driving to and from my cottage (about 60 highway miles from my city house), and hauling stuff to/fro. I think the V70 would be ideal for that: comfortable on the frequent drives, and practical.
I like to do my own maintenance, and though I expect the maintenance on the V70 won't be anywhere as easy as it was on my old 240 Wagon, hopefully there is still enough that I can tackle and thus keep it away from the pricey repair shops.
Cheers!
--Robert
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