Hi all,19
I currently have a 1990 740 GLE which I want to replace in the near future. Up until recently, I had been fixated on a 2003 (ish) V70 wagon. Recently I had the opportunity to drive a 2004 Saab 9-5 Arc wagon. Punchy with the turbo,evidently good gas mileage and nice luxury extras like heated/vented seats,cooled glove box,parking assist. etc.. I was impressed with the seeming cost/year/mileage relationship. They seem like good buys for the money. After doing some reading I have come to understand they may be expensive to repair. I have up to $13,000 to spend on a used wagon. I have a couple of questions to pose:

1) Any comments on early 2000 Saab wagons vs Volvo wagons with regard to
general reliability and cost to maintain?

2) My independent Volvo garage has recommended the V70 to me. Any comments on
these four models of V70's:

V70 T5
V70 2.5T (I'm assuming T for turbo)
V70 XC
V70

Any years of these models which should be avoided?



As much as I enjoyed the frills on the Saab 9-5 my priorities are getting something which is reliable,has no known history of chronic problems,is reasonable with regard to cost to repair and is safe.

Thanks for any comments regarding any of this.



Cheers,
wvdthree