I have a 2002 V70 with the base 2.4 engine with the 5 spd auto, as well as the cold weather pkg, touring pkg and the premium pkg. I am delighted with the car. I avg 28 mpg in heavy stop and go traffic and I had an average of 32.689 miles per gallon on a recent 1200 mile trip with an avg speed of 70 mph with the a/c on. I am very happy with the fuel economy. the ride of the car suits me just fine, a perfect balance between comfort and performance. acceleration is pretty good considering that the engine produces only 168 hp and 170 ft/lbs torque, with a vehicle that weighs 3500 lbs. I attribute this to the excelent shift strategy of the automatic transaxle which utilizes the engines power band very effectively.

good luck finding a stripped V70, they are hard to come by .however, there is currently a $4000.00 rebate on the 2002 V70 so you'll end up getting a loaded V70 for slightly more than a stripped one.
good luck, the V70 is a great car, IMHO, and you'd probably be very happy owning one.
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You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be - 2002 V70 stk, /w /tinted windows