200,000 miles on my 95 850NA. Although it has served me well, 'it's time'. I will give it to my son, and I will move on. But to what? I have $20,000. I need a wagon. I drive 50 miles daily, so mpg is an issue. I do enjoy a level of comfort that all of my previous Volvos have afforded me (142S, P1800, 240, 740, 760, 850 and S40). I looked at the VW Jetta Sportwagan, but the drives' leg area was cramped for me. Subaru Outback is an option. OR...V70/ XC70, pre-owned.
Any thoughts? What model years are best? What to avoid? I don't NEED the XC...I live on Long Island, New York, so it's suburban traffic and highways. I have to haul my household stuff (garden, lumber, etc.) as well as cater to my bicycling needs (carry my bikes in the rear...I don't like bike racks).

 

in 2004 I bought a low-mileage 2001 V70 T5 for the same reasons you have, plus I wanted something sporty. Now has 113,000 miles, and is better than the day I bought it (it needed a lot of warranty work, and a paint job). Always dealer serviced, no chronic problems, and gets 20 mpg even though its driven at the limit all the time.