Okay so both cars are $4,000 and both run superbly. The V70 is a '98, AWD, and has 130,000 mi. on the engine. The steering is a little stiff, but l think it just needs more fluid. l love the legspace in this one.

The S70 is a '99, FWD-only, however it was ordered from the factory with every bell and whistle imaginable (including the headlight ''wipers'' - nifty, although pointless in Texas). It has 113,000 mi. on the engine.

Which one should l get? l have never owned an AWD volvo; Are they more expensive to repair? My last volvo was a '98 S70, and it was a fine car (it was just totaled in a wreck for those who are curious) so l am aware of the expenses in fixing volvos. However, if the AWD will be ''troublesome,'' l would like to know in advance.

Check out the AWD section of this website. There are many Volvo owners there and they will tell you their experience. From what I've seen and read, the AWD models are very troublesome and way more expensive to maintain.

l think the AWD models r as reliable as the front wheel drive models.
l think the S70 might be a better choice. Less miles. However, the either Volvo will make it up to at least 300k with proper maintenance. It really all depends on what YOU want. Do u like having the hatch space of the V70, or do u not care/need it?. If u do not care about the extra space, obviously the S70 more practical. The S70 will also get better gas mileage than the V70. Since the V is AWD, l am pretty sure it is a V70XC. Which is a cross country model.
Again, it depends on what u like the most.

http://volvo-forums.com

Check out this website.it will tell u everything there is about the V70 & the S70.and the advantages & disadvantages of both.
To be honest l would choose the S70 over the V70. Firstly l dont like estate cars, secondly, u said the steering is stiff & why buy a car when there is a problem already with it. You never know u mght have to replace the whole steering column. Im only joking, but yeh, get the S70 but before u buy.check out the website above

Kievo

the awd system on the earlier volvo's[pre-halodex systems] gave some trouble [read expensive] & is probably not needed in texas. [these r great snow cars & when driven well, dry cornering speeds can increase over f.w.d. versions] but u probably not interested in ''drifting'' either.
i would go with the s-70 after it was checked out [and an o.k. was given] by ur mechanic. if not already done, at these mileages ,both cars r due for a new timing belt[s].[v-70 way past due] be sure to replace all timing components including water pump as these r the life of this engine.
best of luck with many miles of fun