The 2003 is much, much better than the 98-02 cars. Of course there is always the electrical aspect, more computers to fail and twice as many fuses.

Of course, the CRV will be cheaper to maintain, but when you are cruising down the highway at 65mph on a windy day, hang on to the wheel and plug your ears because it is noisy. Take a look at a front strut and compare the size with the V70 strut. The CRV has 4 struts, not just 2 like the V70.

If you do not do your own maintenance, the Volvo dealers will charge more to fix the V70 than Honda charges.

The AC on all cars requires annual changes of the cabin filter. The 2003 seldom has evaporator issues, unline the 850/70 older models.

Strut/shocks usually last 120-150K, not bad for a heavy car. The V70 will also not bounce down the road like a honda that needs new struts, the V70 will just ride rougher and be harder on the tires.

If you are going to use the car for mostly city driving and parallel parking, go for the little CRV, if you want something more stable, get the V70.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.