So, now I'm being seduced by a CPO T5 or T6 (real T5/T6, as in number of cylinders) XC70. But 10,000-mile oil change interval?? What if someone misses a scheduled visit and goes 20K between changes? One Carfax I saw showed Volvo dealer oil changes at 10K, 20K, and 40K. Carfax will not be definitive, obviously. 30K showed that same Volvo dealer inspected it but no oil change was explicitly stated as it was for the other intervals.

It was offered for sale at the 47K mark incl an oil change as part of pre-sale prep by the Lincoln dealer to which it was (presumably) traded by the original owner. Carfax showed it sat on the lot for 2 months before auction. Then it showed an acquisition by the current Volvo dealer, and offered for sale, who is the same dealer that did the 10-20-40K oil changes.

My current S90 (1997) runs smoothly only if I change the oil every 2,000-3,000. Is the synthetic used in the later engines really that good? I was advised that using synthetic in what I drive now would have no benefit.

My other options are new Outback or Forester. Outback seems surprisingly good, modern interpretation of a 245. Forester for the sheer glass area square-footage. But used or new Subarus may be using Takatas.

A CPO is always nice because of the warranty. It is possible that the PO got the oil changed out of town. 10K for synthetic oil is normal these days because of the tighter tolerances in the engine and better viscosity of the oil. Also, the dealers are now starting to use synthetic instead of using 55 gallon drums of rot gut.

The synthetic in your S90 is keeping the engine cleaner than the old crud, keep using it! It will save your engine. I am surprised that the engine makes a difference in how it runs at the 3000 mark. It should still be good at 5000 miles between oil changes.

Even my diesel MB, which makes the oil BLACK in 1 hour of running, has an oil change every 12,000 miles or 1 year.

The Subaru is noisy, the technology is old, and the seats leave a lot to be desired. Their mpg is much better with the 4 banger, but don't try any 0-60 runs! Yes, the AWD is very good, but the sheet metal is quite thin. They do have a better resale value than most cars. But the Subaru is still just a car.

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Keeping it running is better than buying new

True about Volvo being quiet. But the upright stance of a Forester is nice, and it's even noisy just like an old 240. (wink)

There would be more opportunities to have a Subaru serviced "almost anywhere" relative to a Volvo. Likely reduction in future DIY prospects and knowledgeable indie Volvo mechanics are the big motivator here. Subaru seems similar to Volvo in terms of ergonomics.

But there is a high likelihood that a XC70 with a CPO warranty and long service intervals would get me through almost 4 years of paying only for scheduled service. The engine block is basically what I have now.

And I wouldn't have to be "looking over my shoulder" about the possibility of high oil consumption on the H4 engine.

I am using conventional in the 'classic' S90 - kudos and props for the responses in the RWD forum about this a while back!