Which 70?

[Karyn]

I visited several dealerships today. In an attempt to get myself a pre-owned V or XC 70, I got more confused. I see several posts already, so I will just ask what I think has not been answered.
I want a car with less milage, so I figured I would look for under 50,000miles. This made the budget about $24-ish. I am kinda ok with that. What I don't know is: What is/are the better years for the XC70's? Were there transmission or AWD problems in any particular year? I realize that they will warranty the car for a few months (or maybe a year depending on the year/milage), but after that...I own a very expensive automobile. I have a DIY husband and a great mechanic, but I want to keep costs down.
What are the 'stay away from years', what are the 'great years'? I cannot find a V70 with low milage, so I am locked into the XC. I didn't want the V70R, too much power, less MPG and more problems.

[Gold Fever]

My wife and I just bought a dealership loaner used only when someone had their car in for service/etc.
It is a 2011 Volvo XC70 AWD 3.2L non-turbo model with only 12,450 miles. It is fully warrantied and we purchased additional miles/years up to 80,000 miles.
Purchased from Lawrence Volvo in Walnut Creek, CA just last weekend.
Looked at a 2008 XC70 AWD 3.2L non turbo model w/50,200 miles but the ride seemed mushy and motor not responsive. Googled it and sure enough Volvo had made a change in suspension that year to "soften" the ride. Volvo customers gave them grief over the change so they changed the ride for the better by 2011. We can feel the road perfectly and it corners really well and the engine really had great power for being a non-aspirated (no turbo) engine.
We are selling our 1998 V70XC Turbo AWD which was a first year model and have had many issues with it over the years. Road feel is excellent and the turbo really kicks in well and moves the 2.4 L engine along.
I read that if it is a first year for changes then by and large you may experience problems and that you should look for the model a year or more after it comes out. Volvo seems to iron out the problems and make changes.
But I am in no way an expert and I'm sure other, more qualified opinions will surface here.