1998's are usually considered the best year for early FWD V70's. 95-97 850's are also fine cars and are basically the same car as the 98 V70. My 95 850 wagon is the best car I have ever owned. It still runs looks/runs great at 255k. Don't buy an AWD prior to 2003.

The "R" is one heck of a car. I loved mine, especially with Koni struts on the front. The rear shocks are Nivomats and very expensive! The "R" is an AWD with unique seats and no body lean in turns.

Very few of the 1998-2000 wagons came with a rear cargo cover, I can't remember seeing any. So tinted rear windows are nice to have.

The 1998 "R" came in 3 colors: white, black, SAFFRON! Guess which looks best and is hardest to find.

If you don't need AWD, the T5 is a bit faster and cheaper to maintain.

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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

Concur with Klaus: My wife's 2003 XC V70 (has the haledex drive ) 110k MILES
has been a good performer, only maintenance/repair I felt
was abnormal.... was the rebuilding of the parking
brake system when a shoe delaminated from it's backing plate.

My 2004 V70, 168K miles, I had to replace the alarm system battery and steering column lock.

Otherwise the mainteance/repairs have been normal and what one would expect as the mileage rolls up.
Art