Volvo newbie heading for an XC70 or V70

[jamesboag]

First of all, thanks to those who post here, it's already helped me.
I was close to buying a 2001 XC70 (90,000KLM, $au39K) but after stumbling on to this forum and reading about transmission problems, I have decided against it. Pity, it was beautiful to drive.

I also lined up a 2002 XC70 (58,000KLM, $au44K) but the motor sounded tappety and it didn't seem as responsive as the 2001. After researching more through this forum I'll probably wait and try to find a 2003 XC70 due to the better AWD system (Haldex) that you guys talk about. This is a big investment for my wife and I, she and kids will be in it most of the time, whilst I drive my old heap.

I'm not planning on much soft roading but I like the clearance on the XC's.
Apart from uneven tyre wear, different brands, are there any other crucial areas to be wary of when a tyre kicker goes off searching for the big V?

Also, we may end up settling on a V70. Are there tips here in terms of traps for the uninitiated? Hoping for 2002/2003 model.

Thanks in advance
James

[matthew1]

Ensure via maintenance records that oil has been changed regularly. See saltydog's posts for the reason (oil sludge buildup).

I don't get the feeling it's a widespread problem, so take it with a grain of salt.