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I've owned a 1995 850, and currently own a 1993 940 and a 1999 V70. I'll take my shot at this too:
Q: Can anyone help steer me either toward or away from buying a V70?
A: I did a lot of Internet research before getting our 99 V70, including the Brickboard, but also a number of other sites and bulletin boards. I will not steer you away from a V70 persay (I would steer you to one). But maybe away from certain ones.
Q: Are there common problems or model years to avoid?
A: I would avoid the 1998 and the 2001. Not that they are necessarily horrible, but they genearlly do have more problems than the 99-00, and subsequent 02+ years, for the two respective designs. There are common problems, just go through the previous posts, but many of the items were improved or fixed in the 99-00 and 02+ versions.
Q: Are the newer generation models (2001 on) significantly better (or worse) than '98 to '00?
A: Apparently about the same, staying away from the 98 and 01's. Another note on the 98, they improved the suspension in 99, even though the model change happened in 98. Our 99 has a great ride. the 98's are similar to the 95 850 I had, not bad and very good handling, but a little rougher. The ride on the Cross Country is a little lacking, and there are BIG problems associated with the first year or so of AWDs.
Q: Would those of you who own these cars buy the same car if you had it to do over again? (I am also considering sticking w/awd by getting a Subaru or an Audi A6 wagon or checking out a Saab 9-5 wagon--apples and oranges, I know).
A: Definitely for a wagon. I think it is about the best wagon on the market. The BMW, Saab, VW Passat, and Mercedes wagons are also great when running, but as a previous post to your questions indicated, If you think the Volvo has reliability problems... (I've owned a Passat wagon, my in-laws own a Saab 9-5 and a Mercedes, and don't even think of an Audi if you are concerned with reliability). The V70 will not be cheap to own, for sure, but the feel, safety (I don't care if some others have equaled Volvo on the crash tests, more people walk away from Volvo crashes unharmed), handling and price (compared to the for just mentioned), it is the best. NOTE: If I were not going for a wagon, the Lexus and Acura would also be a good choice. If you want a newer car for the same price, the Subaru Forester is about the best there is.
All said I think the Volvo is the best Euro car for the money. And even though the Japanese cars have rock solid reliability (though they have more problems than some think) they DO NOT ride like the best Euro cars.
As for snow, we go to Denver twice a year. Our FWD V70 has stability-traction control and has never had a problem in snow. We do not use snow tires either.
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