I'm thinking of getting a V70 or maybe a V50 for my wife, likely an '06 or so. I notice there seems to be only a 1mpg claimed highway difference between the two - is that about right? Are these cars reliable mostly? I know there's a timing belt issue around 105k miles - how much do dealers charge for that job? Sorry for all the newbie questions but I'm new to Volvos. Thanks for an help anyone can offer.

 

Bumpy

 

For my wife I would opt for the 70. Bigger platform= more stuff to haul and I believe a safer car to drive. The mpg diff sounds about right, the 40 series has never really appealed to me anyway and I like a bigger car. The v70's are great cars overall. Maintainig them properly is not cheap - 500 to 1000 a year, but you will have a solid, safe, reliable car if you do so.

 

Thanks Don - much appreciated!