Too bad for the 1997.

The 2005 V70 is a very nice car, same 5 cyl but better. The interior is much nicer and quieter than the 850 ever was, more refined.

Just beware, new cars (all of them) have more computers than NASA and 150+ fuses. Nothing from the 850 will fit.

Just make sure all of the electronics work and ask where the maintenance was done. I go to this web site to see the owner's manual and the maintenance schedule:

http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/yourvolvo/volvo-vehicle-information-library/pages/default.aspx

One of my questions would be the cabin filter replacement. Remember, if a Volvo has climate control: before you start the engine, set the blower to AUTO, the temps to a reasonable setting (74-76F), vents to AUTO and then start the engine. As the engine warms up the blower will increase in speed, when it is cold out. When the ambient temps are hot, the AC should start immediately and the blower decrease in speed as the cabin approaches the desired temps.

With the 2005, go through all of the computer readouts. Avg MPG is what you are looking for and it should be 22-24mpg for normal suburban driving.

Klaus
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat