I've been researching these for weeks now. They check all the boxes for me: quick enough, safe, comfy, good looks, practical. Early models can be had with 100k miles or so for 7-8 grand in what looks to be respectable shape for a 10 year old car.
Things like headlights, some model years have much cheaper replacement costs than other years, and this seems to be the case for a lot of parts.
Are there years of this generation to avoid?
As much as I'd like the R model, I'm scared away by maintenance costs and insurance for this 26 year old recent college grad.
They are nice, solid cars, and you get a lot for your money at this point (thank you, depreciation!) I have an '06 S80 AWD, which is basically the sedan version.
The earliest years (-02) could have electronic throttle issues. Beyond that, nothing terribly concerning. The T5 has good power, and is available with a 5-speed. There's also the 2.5T (auto only) and a NA 5-cyl (auto or manual.) A few years even offered AWD in the non-XC bodystyle - something of a cult following for that one.
As far as replacement parts go, almost everything is swappable between model years. There were a lot of options on these cars for different trim levels (Halogen headlights, jeweled-style, HIDs, glass lenses vs. plastic, etc...) so that might explain some of the differences you're seeing.
I've had my car for almost a year and a half. It's at 110k miles, and all I've done is oil, plugs and a timing belt.
I had a 2004 V70. It's awesome. But something often goes wrong with the head unit. As I'm fond of music very much, I plan to have it replaced. I heard that there are specially designed auto DVD players for choice. So any advice for me?
