I am considering buying a V70 to replace my 20-year-old Buick, which we use to commute to work (12 miles round trip), go to the gym, grocery store and other errands. I also want a vehicle that can handle some occasionally heavy snowfalls and get us safely to and from work.

I also prefer to do some routine maintenance on my cars, particularly oil and filter changes. It appears there is a protective pan covering the oil filter and I hear that the V70 uses a mix of conventional oil as well as synthetic. How difficult is it to change the oil and filter in the vehicle? And what about this mix? Why not use one or the other?

Anything you can share or suggest regarding V70 would be appreciated as I am considering buying the car within a few days.

BTW, I was stunned to hear the salesman say that Volvo offers no free routine maintenance. My BMW Z3 came with three or four years of free maintenance.

We also own a 1998 Jaguar XJ8. Both the Jag and the Z3 used strictly for pleasure.

My thanks for your timely responses.