Just posted a V70 vacuum problem message and read your " 2nd brick".
Well, I liked my 740 wagon very much, felt more confident slinging it around corners than my current V70, and what a simple machine in comparison. Lost it in a rear end collision.
I tried for a 960 or V90 but found them too rare or over priced. Plus they are getting old. The 300-320 Mercedes wagons are outstanding, but the same "rare or over priced" syndrome. I have owned Mercedes 300 series diesel sedans for the past 25 years, and always compare my other car to that.Thought the 960/V90 might be a worthy replacement for the 740. The V70 fails, while the 740 was at least rugged and dependable. On the V70 I have replaced both front axles, door mechanisms, window lifts, front rotors, and now am tracing a possible rear main seal leak. All in a pampered well maintained car. All in 35,000 miles, and let's not talk tire life... no one can align this, or else 20-something thousand is what to expect from Michelins on a V70. I get 60k on the Merc.with Michelins. Same spirited driving style.
My wife has basically stolen the E300 Diesel from me since we bought the V70.
My humble opinion.