It's always fun to do this when you're not paying the insurance bill. Sorry, my 2 driving kids and 4 cars on my insurance bill got me a little carried away. Actually that's one of the reasons the wife and I did not get an R model when we bought a 2000 V70 awd. I did also notice there might be a propensity for an additional speeding ticket here or there. You could definitely feel the extra "go" in the motor. Insurance, notwithstanding, go for the R model. I doubt you'll miss any of the bells and whistles added to 99's and newer. I have a 97 S90 with 50K miles and don't miss having a newer one. "It's not the years, it's the mileage". Whenever I hear that phrase I can't help but picture Willie Nelson in my mind.