Iv seen post frequently where prospective volvo buyers will ask --should I buy an xc. Im just going to say that we realy enjoy owning and driving out 2000 V70XC AWD SE. At 67K miles--just had the ETM done at Provovo in Freehold,NJ.This poorly designed and conceived part of course is common to the fwd and awd volvos after 98. They gave me the form to get reimbursed and they charged 800 for the job.My XC has never been to the dealership since I bought it two years ago with 52k miles-. I change the oil every 5K with syntec and follow the maint requirements to the letter. Comparing it to our 93 940 turbo wagon--lots more maint-whole different car--we enjoy them both. Overall--the XC has been a very good car-fun to drive-especially in the snow as I take frequent trips to upstate NY in it. I would also say that if one is looking to buy an xc-make sure you have a good indy volvo shop nearby for the few maint items that you cant do yourself. Unless you are wealthy--buy a good used one with maint records as they really do depreciate quickly-at least in this region-NY/NJ area. I will also say that if I had to do it all over again--I would have considered buying a V70 2.5T as the awd does seem to consume the 200hp and unless you think you need the awd-as in my case its really a coin toss as I do make frequent trips to upststate NY. I would think the V70 with a good set of snow tires all around should really be adequate. I just wanted to share my opinion as Iv seen many posts concerning buying an xc. It really comes down to the basics in car buying--what do you need in a car-what can you afford--then do your home work when buying any car. I also think that downright emotion plays a part sometimes-meaning-sometimes one might see the xc and think-jesus, thats a nice looking volvo-avoid that part of car buying and let the common sense overrule a hasty car buying descision. Hope this helps someone out there