Q. Are there common problems or model years to avoid?

A. The FWD '98s were once on the Consumer Reports "Avoid" list but aren't now. The AWD versions remain on the "Avoid" list. See Kino's Volvo page, and look at the owner's surveys. http://kinovolvo.velez.ws/ The same stuff that has always failed on the 850-70s still seems to fail and it seems like they always will if you drive the car long enough.

Q. Are the newer generation models (2001 on) significantly better (or worse) than '98 to '00?

A. ONE year of the "new" V70 is currently on the Consumer Reports "Avoid" list, the FWD '01s.

Q. Would those of you who own these cars buy the same car if you had it to do over again?

A. Like everything, it seemed a good idea at the time. If I knew what I know, would I buy it again? Hmmmm. I don't know. The Volvo hasn't been so awful that I've gotten rid of it. It's still fun to drive but has been awfully "maintenance intensive". It's currently my "winter beater" this season. I'm giving it to my teenage daughter (I hope) after the winter. So it's not completely hopeless to buy a Volvo. But I did just buy an Acura, which so far has been absolutely perfect . It also requires far less ROUTINE maintenance, the plugs go to 110,000 miles vs. the Volvo's 30,000 , there's a timing CHAIN which needs no service vs. the Volvo's 70,000 mile timing BELT, etc. To tell the truth, if I knew what I know now ... well, probably not.

But it's been a FUN car!

Q. (I am also considering sticking w/awd by getting a Subaru or an Audi A6 wagon or checking out a Saab 9-5 wagon--apples and oranges, I know).

A. The only one on your list that I'm convinced isn't significantly WORSE than Volvo is Subaru. The guy in the next office to mine is going through the process of a lemon-law buyback on his new Saab. Caveat emptor. I've heard similar horror stories about Audi. Besides Subaru, the other AWDs I'd actually consider buying with my own money are the Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot , Acura MDX and the Toyota-Lexus models like the 4Runner, Land Cruiser or RX300.

Good luck!

-Samurai Jack



'98 V70T5M, 132k mi., iPd stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, Bilstein HD struts and shocks, Valentine-1, Mobil-1 always, E-code headlight lenses, Michelin Arctic Alpins