OK, thanks for everybody’s help. Sounds like the new base V70 is a pretty reliable car, it’s the extras that fail. What I would be looking at is the base V70 (2.4L I5) with third row seating and possibly a moonroof. Manual transmission. Maybe 17” wheels.

The other two I’m looking at are the Honda Odyssey LX and the Mazda5.

Here’s the full story: Married, two small kids. Current vehicles are a ’99 Honda Accord LX (78,000 miles, bought new) and a Volvo 945T (156,000 miles, I’ve had this one for two years now, previously owned by my brother-in-law who now has the Volvo SUV). Whatever I’ll buy would be kept for at least 12 or so years, and I like to do the basic work on the vehicles myself (save money and I know it’s done right). I have ~ $13,000 saved up for the next vehicle, by next winter it’ll be up to ~ $17,000 or so as I’m putting aside $400 / month. I’d finance the rest keeping payments right at $400. I put ~ 10,000 miles / year on my primary vehicle (currently the Accord) and ~ 6,000 miles / year on my commuter (currently the 945T).

The Odyssey would be a very safe, if boring, choice. The big advantage here is the sheer number sold, ~ 180,000 or so in the US in ’05 compared to 85,000 Volvos (all models!). The 85,000 is down from 100,000 in ’04. I could get the Odyssey for ~ $24,500 or so, add DVD, towing, and a few other modifications to make it look like an EX from the outside (roof rack, new mirrors, new emblem) for ~ $2,500 or so total, or $27,000 total. I can buy the Helms manual for the Odyssey for $80 and do the basic work myself very easily. The ’07 would be the Odyssey’s third generation’s third year.

The Mazda5 looks like a neat little vehicle, and cheap. ~ $19,000 for the base model with a few extras, but still with manual transmission. Holds 6, but the middle seats can’t be taken out (like they can in the Odyssey). Add a DVD system and upgrade the radio, I’d be looking at $20,000 to $20,500. The ’07 would be the Mazda5’s second year.

And the Volvo V70… I’ve never driven one but it’s very comfortable when I’ve sat in one. I’m assuming it would have the best ride and would be the most comfortable (for the front seat passengers) for longer trips. And this would also have the best gas mileage. Cost for the base V70, with third row seats, moonroof, and 17” wheels has an MSRP (’06) of $32,885. 92% of that is about $30,250.

Decisions, decisions.

A few quick questions: At the auto show there were two blue colors being used on the Volvos. One was this hideous bright blue / purple, the other was a very nice light / baby blue. Does anybody know the name of that light / baby blue? It wasn’t Barent’s Blue Metallic, so I’m assuming it will be a new color for ’07.

What’s the towing rating for the 2.4 I5 V70? Would this just involve buying a hitch, or would engine modifications need to be made? (as an example, the Odyssey towing package requires modifications to the automatic transmission)

I see that it requires premium fuel. What’s actually required? 91 octane? (which is what I think my 945T requires)

Are DVD systems feasible in the V70? With or without a moonroof?

Thanks again for all of your input. Again, it won’t be until 10 or so months before I actually buy something. In the meantime, I check these boards daily, though the 900 series.