Hi everyone!

Ever since I was a youngster, I always drooled over high performance Volvo station wagons - and time to buy one has finally arrived!

At first I wanted to buy the 850 T5-R but having seen the prices of well maintained models, I decided I'd rather go for 1st. gen V70 instead. Ideally, I'd go for the FWD & manual transmission version of the R model (B5234T4 engine),
but that combination his quite rare too. I wouldn't mind owning the AWD model (same engine) as long as it's well maintained. But lately, I started to question my decision and decided I might expand the range, adding in T5 2.3
options (B5234T3 engine) as well. I want a wagon for practical and aesthetic reasons (I'm a big sucker for boxy cars + I own two dogs), love the 5-cylinder turbocharged sound and would like the thing to MOVE. I would use
it as a daily and will probably keep it stock (maybe a "softer" tune should that seem reasonable). Now, my questions:

- What are the main differences between T5 2.3 and R model? I failed to find any reliable information.
- In terms of reliability, what would be the best model and combinations to go for? Which ones should be avoided?
- Same question as above for real-life performance - which ones perform best, which ones should be avoided?
- Lastly, what would be the best listing sources to find these vehicles (searching for LHD)?

Many many thanks for helping me out!

Best!
Gofra