Unfortunately, Volvo make the only station wagon that can carry just about anything. All the rest of the wagons have sloping roof lines and a forward sloping cargo door. Unless you consider a minivan a station wagon if you take out the rear seats.
Volvo makes a good engine and turbocharger. Lousey AC units, questionable trannys, poor electronics, and very comfortable seats along with dealers that charge an arm and a leg. I like my Volvos, but the 1998 will probably die first, the awd is making noises in sharp turns.
BMW and Mercedes maint is much more expensive, Audi is a close 3rd and probably ties with Volvo. Toyota and Subaru are cheap to maint, but their generic seats leave a lot to complain about after 8-10 hours on the road.
When your Japanese car gets to 150K miles, write us a note. I, particularly want to know what the seats are like and how much it costs to change the timing belt.

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