If I were you I'd want a 2007 V70. With or without AWD (there would be little to no difference in maintenance costs on this MY due to AWD as they went to a much more reliable system in these years).

2007 was the last year of the 2001-2007 model (which was more of an evolution than a revolution in architecture over previous 850/S/V70) and it has all the usual benefits of a long running design - good build quality, excellent materials, excellent component design, etc. By this time they had worked out the probs with the early AWDs and the trans software. These cars are not even that old so you could be buying a 1-owner car that hasn't even had it's first timing belt done yet.

I wouldn't worry too much about the auto transmissions after 2002 or so, but definitely start changing the fluid right away with a yearly flush for a couple of years to get it cleaned out and working good. Preventative maintenance. Use synthetic fluid for the second half of the flush.

Expect the usual "used car" expenses up front - trans flush (synthetic), bevel gear flush, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, maybe a brake job, timing belt when it's due, switch synthetic oil, new plugs....

Other than that I would expect this car to be a real winner.

I would take a 2006 over a 2008. I really dislike the nose on the newer wagons though the interior is very awesome and luxurious - but what I would really be worried about is 'first year' stuff that wouldn't be a problem on the 'last year' 2007.

The 2007 came with a smaller more economical base engine, more engine options(2.4 NA, 2.5 turbo, 2.5 turbo with AWD, 'R' spec), and there are even some rare manual trans examples if you look hard enough. The 2008 only has one engine option and no manual option.

The 2007 is smaller in every exterior dimension but has more load space - figure that one out! (actually it's not that hard, the 'trunk' space is bigger, but the 2008 gives more room to the back seat passengers - total load space is pretty closely tied with a slight edge to the 2008)

The 2007 will also just be coming off it's 4 year/80k mile warranty so it will lose a little value this year and let you save a bit of money over an '08.


If you're looking at the S40/V50 line don't get one older than 2005 which is when they started on the 'new' model (obviously I would prefer a 2006/2007 to avoid those 'first year' woes I spoke of earlier) and they made some GREAT improvements. The 2005+ S40 is a great little car, almost as big as the new S60 (so close in fact they've decided to discontinue it!)


Good luck! I wish /I/ were spending 20k on a new car!!



--
1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+