Waggin, if you are looking at the 1998-2000 V70s the models run like this:

Base -- no turbo on the 5-cyl engine, people say it's sluggish with bad power/weight ratio.

GLT -- light pressure turbo on the same engine, no AWD, this is the one to look for. Avoid the '98s. You can find '99s and '00s in the $12k-$15 range; the cars don't hold their value.

AWD -- '98 and '99 only. GLT powertrain with AWD system is delicate and prone to failure; avoid. (I have a '99 AWD.) You can find good '99 AWDs for $14-$18k, but be aware that every time you run over a nail you have to buy $600 worth of new rubber all around. Bummer. The Volvo AWD is extremely intolerant of any tire diameter difference.

XC -- AWD with the plastic bumpers and oversize body cladding plus eggcrate grille. Whatever.

R -- the sporty one -- full turbo engine and a ball to drive, but I'd worry about repairs/cost of ownership.

Issues to look for: AWD is problematic. Interior door liner and headliner falls off owing to weak eco-friendly glue. Bad headlight sockets mean you go through bulbs at a terrific rate (there was a recall/TSB on this). Power drivers' seat comes loose and rocks fore and aft (there's a TSB and retrofit fix on this too). Power window/door locks notorious for failing. Engine mounts break early for no reason; mine went at 24k miles, and we drive gently. Emissions equipment (02 sensor, etc.) prone to early failure... we needed a new 02 sensor at 34k miles. A lot of '99 V70s have no manual tailgate lock, just a cheap plastic plug back there, so you can't unlock the wayback if the battery in your remote fails.

I mean, they're great cars to drive, but not very durable or reliable... ours has had more repairs in four years than my Civic had in 12... I wouldn't dream of owning a Volvo without an extended warranty.

Good luck.