Adam, sign up for this board - it's free and will make discussions like this easier for all of us. Don't forget to put in your zipcode so we know what part of the country you live in.
My R is a great station wagon, but if you abuse it the awd will fail. Always make sure that all 4 tires are the same size and inflated properly. The rear tailgate will start to rattle, the AC will evaporate and get warm, use a K&N air filter to increase your gas milage. Use S for around town and E on the highway to keep your tranny happy, and don't forget to flush the tranny every 50K miles. Use synthetic motor oils, checking the level at least once a month, and change it every 12-15K miles.
The 1998 is the newest Volvo I will ever own. The new ones have computers that control everything and don't allow for shade tree mechanics who like to perform simple part swaps. I like my dealer, Borton, but cannot afford his $110/hour charge. When the awd goes at 150K, I will buy another V70 with a T5 and front wheel drive.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)