There are 2 generations of the V70. Those 2000 and earlier are called 1st generation and those 2001 to current are 2nd generation. The 2000 you mention is the "old style," and reliable. The first year that Volvo made major changes...not only to interior but also the exterior shape...a bit more bulk at the top of the doors all the way back to the tail... and other mods, like engine size, different transmission, etc. was 2001 (2nd gen.). I would avoid the first year (2001) of the 2nd gen. as there were still bugs to work out. So, my opinion is go for the 2000 or 2002 if those are you choices. The 2003, if you can find one is even better! I own a 2004 V70 2.5T and have had no issue with it what-so-ever...but then again, I've only owned it for a couple of months.