This is a common question, and you can see many opinions in the archives. In my opinion:

1. If the condition is really clean, consider it. If neglected, NO.
2. If 2-wheel drive, YES. If AWD, it's a high-cost car unless you absolutely have to have AWD for skiing trips or something like that. In that case, a Subaru would be a better choice.
3. At his age, if you buy it, you better plan on comprehensive maintenance such as having all the fluids changed. Definitely change the transmission fluid, regardless of the BS you might hear about lifetime oil.
4. Maintenance: it's a bit tight in the engine compartment but not as bad as many recent cars I have seen.
5. The 5-cyl engine is a robust design.

My wife's 1999 V70 has been very dependable, and the only trouble we have is the delaminating door panels. Volvo NA has been stinky about that issue, as they were about the ETM failures. Very poor from a company that advertises the safety and durability of their cars. Our car has the 5-sp. manual transmission, so no trans. problems. Good luck.