Really want to get an S60 or as a backup, an S40, but i don't care for the center console as much as the S60.

I've never driven one yet or even been a passenger in one or any of the S series. Love the body style. My 94 BMW 325i has 140k and is falling apart.
Looking to get a new, used S60 in 1-2 months.

I looked through the other threads here but didn't see any general thread with info for us new to the world of Volvo.

Couple of basic questions:

1. Is there a consensus on what the oldest S60 i should be considering? (ie. is say, 2004 or earlier too problematic, etc.?)

2. I am comfortable changing my brakes, rotors, Oil changes and that level of service. Any reason why i could not continue that with this car?

3. Are there certain versions of this model that are more desirable and should be looking for or that have a certain feature?

4. I'd like to keep my price at below $15k for a car with reasonable mileage. Not sure how possible that is.

I've driven stick most of my life and wouldn't mind finding a Volvo with a 5 speed. I hear they are not very common. Should i avoid these?

Thanks for any and all input.

Stevo