850 or S70 for teenage driver? Suggestions? Advice?

[keepersboy]

I live in weatern Colorado, and Volvos are pretty popular out here, as well as along the front range. Check Craigs list out here and you will find a pretty big selection. One other huge benefit is the lack of rust and corrusion. They dont use much salt out here, although , sadly, are starting to use more Mag chloride, which eats copper wiring. You might also look in other warmer dry areas. I little road trip to pick up a car might be fun, and you might get a much better car.

[boosted5cyl]

For safety/crash rating I'd take an 850 over a 240 anytime and a P2 over an 850. Many older cars "feel solid", but that has little bearing on how protected the occupants are going to be in a collision. Here's an example:
I'm not suggesting that a 240 is as bad as a Bel Air, but its food for thought.

Snow performance is more about tires than anything else IMO. Best car I've ever had in the snow was a Ford Taurus 24v, but it was due to the tires that were on it. Our V70 sucks so bad in the snow in comparison to the Taurus its not funny. Its not the car though, its the tires.

In terms of turbo\non turbo, I think include both in your search and pick whichever is the best looked after. The turbos go for big miles if they are maintained, really all it means its semi-frequent oil changes.