The 2004 has the newer Haldex AWD system and is better than the early years. Just remember that ALL AWD and 4WD cars need to have the bevel gear/transfer case oil flushed at 50K mile intervals. More often if you like to use a heavy throttle and try to make the wheels spin in the cold or wet.

The 'R' is the top of the line V70, with almost every option. Plus gobbs of bhp to get you into merging traffic with ease. Normal crusing mpg of 25+ at 70mph is not bad considering this car's bhp.

The 'R' does have Nivomats in the rear. These are self leveling shocks and very expensive to replace. One of mine failed at the 185K mark on my 1998.

Check the tranny fluid if it is an automatic, many 'R's came with a 6 speed manual. The dipstick, yellow, is hidden under the air intake on the driver's side.

Klaus
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Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.