I just signed-up. This looks like a great resource. Gen1 & 2 V70 wagons have caught my eye as a possible car for my new teen driver. The side impact protection and haul-ability for a large musical instrument are big factors. It needs to be an inexpensive car. I wrench on cars myself, but haven't had a Volvo before. Any hints on to persuade or dissuade me from these models? I'm going to post in the V70 area about a specific car I looked at, so I'd appreciate any feedback on that.

But there are some "generic" points I'm unsure of: 1) is there a 3d row seat option for V70s, or was it just standard in certain years? Whatever the case, can a junkyard seat be added to a car that lacks a 3d row? 2) I noticed an inspect/replace sticker pertaining airbags at the ten year point. What do most people do in that regard? 3) When is the timing belt due on these cars?

Thanks in advance for any help.

- Rich