Sez to avoid the V70/Cross Country '98-'01.

But Consumer Reports also RECOMMENDED my '98 V70 when I bought it!

So maybe they don't know everything.

At various times my '98 has been the worst car I've ever owned, and at other times it's been the best car I've ever owned. It still uses no oil between changes, the original clutch is only now beginning to slip, and the 5-speed manual transmission shifts like new. But I've lost count of all the electric and electronic gizmos I've replaced. The '98s have a throttle cable and are NOT D-B-W ("drive-by-wire") like the '99-on cars so at least that's one less thing to break.

Eurocars are not an inexpensive taste, but at least they're much, much cheaper than an affair with a woman half my age would be!

I'd prefer to have a potential V70 candidate checked out by my mechanic. I'd also look for one with lots of service records and stamps in the logbook. A private seller who can look you in the eye might be a good idea, too.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 154k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin Arctic Alpins