Community Forums:

I am looking at a 98 V70R with 55K miles. Yesterday I test drove two at the dealer and found that I enjoy the car. One had two idiot lights ignited: TRACS & Check Engine and the other was slow as a pig probably due to a popped off vacuum hose (they're looking at it). My father has a 95 850 Turbo with 180K + miles and pretty much no problems except for 2 AC compressors getting struck by road debris. Am I to expect the same reliability out of the V70R? My concerns are few but some things have been brought to my attention through research:
-Does the Check Engine light problem go away once the TSB is done and your gas cap is tightened?
-I heard there are issues with the AWD and having different tread depths. Any comments?
-Any problem with the AWD breaking or needing more attention than FWD?
-Why does Consumer Reports rate the FWD models as a good buy and the AWD models as a risk?
-Is buying a 99 a better bet?
-What else should I know good or bad and what should I look for and ask about (TSB's etc)?
Lastly... what is different about the 99 (besides exhaust) that it's putting out more horsepower?

Thanks in advance for all of your help. Please also include your V70R year and mileage along with any problems you've had repaired or experienced frequently.