I'm looking into buying my first Volvo wagon. What years should I be looking at and what years should I avoid. I would like AWD other than that I want something that is fun to drive. I'm looking to spend somwhere between 5K to 6K.

 

I doubt you can find an AWD wagon in that price range unless it has 200k miles on it. I think the first AWD wagon was 1999( I could be wrong. Please correct me if I am). Anything you get from those years for the price you want to pay will be an absolute hunk of crap. Going rate for 99-2000 AWD wagons right now is 10-15k.

 

Satch thanks for the info. In my price range what should I be looking for? An 850 Turbo non turbo a V70? IF it make sense to increase my price for something much better I can do it. I've read somewhere on another board to stay away from I think the 98 to 2001. Have you heaard the same?

 

Rush, Everybody I know that has a 99 through 2001 Volvo has had terrible problems with them. That's a shame because Volvo used to have such a loyal following. Now these same people that I know will never own another Volvo. I have had several Volvo's and I have had very little trouble out of the 4 cylinders or 5 cylinders before 99. I have a 98 S70 and a 93 940 and I fully expect to get 350,000 miles out of each of them. Look for a Volvo that has been maintained very well especially one that has been to the dealer for most of the service. I personally know of 4 cylinder Volvos with over 400,000 miles and still going strong.

 

I think Buck covered it all. Spend a few more bucks and get an 850.

 

98 was the first year for AWD. I almost bought one.

 

99 was the first year that Ford owned the company. 98 was the first year for AWD. Why do you want AWD? I now live in Columbus, OH and I lived in Colorado Springs, CO and have never been stuck in an 850 FWD. If it's so bad that I would need AWD I stay home until the roads are cleared enough. You can get some real nice 850's for around $5K.

 

1998 V70R, is awsome, or any 850 wagon is good too.

Stay away from 1999 wagons.

 

I just bought a 98 v70 and in my area there seems to be alot more 98's for sale than 99-01. I was in the same boat, looking for a newer 850 wagon, and the money it was going to take to buy a good one wasn't very far off from a V70 in good shape, even though they are basically the same car. Hey, its only money. And if you lie to your wife about how much it costs, the skys the limit. Good luck.

 

all the above comments are right on....do not buy anything after 1998 and as for AWD forget it!!!I have been interested in the xc70's only to find out that (1)the awd only works up to 30 mph!and (b)the driveshafts suck and need tp be replaced periodically to the tune of $1200 or so each time.The solution is good for the dealer but not for you.I have read many woeful stories of ppl with "Volvos"after 1998 and the root of the problem stems from the fact that Ford took over in 1999 and any semelence to the quality that Volvo is legendary for.... is purely coincidental.

 

if you can, hold out for the turbo! you wont regret it! 850 ALL THE WAY, BABY! [8D][8D][8D]

edit: oh, if there's any doubt on what you can do with an 850 wagon, look around the 850 forums, it'll give ya some ideas, or check out my picture gallery - everything ive done to it can be bought off the web (except the tires and wheels, which i can help ya out, maybe)