West coast, eh? A lot drier and warmer than NJ.
Volvos are no longer the "safe" cars that they used to be. In it's hayday, the 240 was the safest car on the market. Today, most new cars have 3 position seatbelts, airbags, air curtains, abs, traction control, head restraints, you name it.
What she needs is a car that won't put her on a first name basis at the local dealer. The S60 is the best model Volvo has, but the electronics and computers will assure that she makes multiple trips to the dealer in the first year. It will be covered by warrantee, but she needs to be there. The drive train will easily go 100,000 miles, the other parts shouuld last 5 years.
Alternatives to look at:
Little Lexus
Acura
Any American car, realizing that at 80,000 it will be time to dump it.
Toyota Camry is just too hohum.

The only reason I would look American for my daughter is for the AC. Toyota and Honda also have good ones AND they are reliable cars.

Klaus

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(V♂LV♂s 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)