I just couldn't do it, couldn't commit to a 12k car with $250 payments for 5 years, put the brakes on so we can revaluate for now. I was having too much anxiety, on paper we can afford it, but I don't want to stress a car payment right now. So, back to the drawing board. I have decided to concede to a '98 that we can just pay cash for and have a good safe car for 3 or 4 years until we can splurge later. So, a couple of questions:

Is the dealer the only place to get a 3rd row seat if we can't find a '98 we like that already has one? Do they even still make them for that model at the dealer?

Is an XC always an AWD or isit just a "styling" package that came with either the regular 2 wheel drive V70, or the AWD version??

Is a '99 just as good as a '98, or do you run they risk ofbeing more "problematic"?

 

I'm not sure if anyone has replied to you yet but here is my take.
All XCs are Awd, all turbo. I have a 98 V70 AWD (not anXC but basically the same thing)and It's a great car 190K, averedge maintainance that I do in part myself to keep the cost down. Brakes,coolingetc are prettyeasy and alot of parts are available for the car.I do not know about the 99 maybe someone else can help with that.
As far as payments or not to Payment, I'm for NOT. I hate the bill paying, I have forgeting, I hate the credit unions and banks. Have a Volvo check out the car and then make your decision. Expect to spend about 1k/year in maintenance on averedge.

Good Luck