V70 or XC? Which model, year, engine should I buy?

[Tennisplyr]

I was told repairs on a turbo are more expensive, is that true?

[MadeInJapan]

On the turbo itself or the turbo models?
I really see that there are no more expenses to owning a turbo model than a non-turbo model. You do suffer a bit less mpg's and that will cost you some but really the only parts that are extra and could break are the turbo itself (which Volvo uses Mitsubishi turbo's for the first gen. turbo's and they're very sturdy), the intercooler pipes (don't break) and the intercooler itself. Very rarely you hear of someone needing to replace one of these, but all 850's and 70 series Volvo's up to 2004 use the same intercooler so they can easily be scavenged off of one at a junk yard. So, back to the question....my answer is, "not really."
MIJ

[JRL]

On the turbo itself or the turbo models?
I really see that there are no more expenses to owning a turbo model than a non-turbo model. You do suffer a bit less mpg's and that will cost you some but really the only parts that are extra and could break are the turbo itself (which Volvo uses Mitsubishi turbo's for the first gen. turbo's and they're very sturdy), the intercooler pipes (don't break) and the intercooler itself. Very rarely you hear of someone needing to replace one of these, but all 850's and 70 series Volvo's up to 2004 use the same intercooler so they can easily be scavenged off of one at a junk yard. So, back to the question....my answer is, "not really."
MIJ

Agree, except at one point or another you will have to replace a leaky turbo return line, usually every 60K to 80K miles or so

[MadeInJapan]

Good point, Jim. Forgot about that. Good thing it's a cheap fix!