OK, I'm a dyed-in-the-wool RWD guy, but for lots of reasons I'm looking at the FWD bricks. I'm not an off-roader, but out here in AZ some of the places I go require greater ground clearance than a stock FWD has, so I'm considering an XC. Looked at and drove a 2000 with 70K on it over the weekend, and what I noticed is that under acceleration there was a light but noticeable vibration which seemed to come from the drive train. I felt it through the seat and throttle; too high a frequency to be a wheel vibration, but it almost seemed to be at engine frequency. The owner did not detect it, but he said the car hasn't changed in how it rides or feels since new - but, it's his wife's car, not his. I just want to avoid a na$ty surprise if I buy the car - overall, it's super clean and regularly serviced only by dealers. I'm wondering if there's a center differential which is starting to protest.

Also, the car felt surprisingly sluggish considering it has the LP turbo. Is that characteristic of the AWD's?

I'm not new to FWD's - the ex has a '97 850 back in CT. But I am new to the AWD series. Any guidance for this newbie?