Folks,

Any chance of getting a quick summary of the significant changes in the 850/V70 series over the years? Roughly, I know:
- early 850's suspension was a bit harsh.
- by 96 or 97 most bugs were worked out. Perhaps even earlier than 96.
- 98 was the last of the rev 1 design (flat sides), and the last year before the switch to the Electronic Throttle Module that was initially prone to failure, and the last year of OBD II.
- 99 on: ETM weak spot. Volvo did, in the end come good on replacements. Use of Volvo based OBD and multiplexing of signals means expensive downloads to keep everything in synch.
- by 02 or so, ETM better.
- evaporator failures seem to be likely for all years. Might as well just budget for the gut of the dash to fix it.

What can people add?

Aside: Reason I ask is that son #1 needs some wheels for his first full time job. Looks like he gets the family runner (Taurus wagon). My wife, for some strange reason, does not take to my old 740. Go figure. She does like the 98 V70 but I can't find an acceptably clean one with a known history. So I am looking for an 03 and newer (like to limit it to $25k Canadian). Might be tough in Southern Ontario. Once I get over $25k I have to seriously wonder about the more worry-free alternatives (Mazda 6 wagon for instance). Really, all we want is a mid size or bigger safe, reliable, practical, comfy wagon or flexible sedan / hatchback that has good all-round visibility and an 'open' feel to it. Most cars these days have high waistlines and engulf you. Shades of Mad Max road warrior mentality.

Bill