Yes, and I absolutely agree - the V70 is much more car - and much more $$.
Comparably equipped, the XC70 runs about $15k more. It's worth it if you can
afford it, but if you can't, the V50 AWD seems to be a good value. I am
probably going to buy a used XC70 for the same amount as the V50.

Signature
Dana C. Rohleder
Port Kent, NY
> I have tested a FWD version (I think the AWD version is available for
> the first time in UK about now). I found it ok but I thought the V70
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>>also tested this weekend. Not as cushy over bumps, but better acceleration
>>and handling.
Tim Hobbs - 24 Oct 2004 15:12 GMT
>Yes, and I absolutely agree - the V70 is much more car - and much more $$.
>Comparably equipped, the XC70 runs about $15k more. It's worth it if you can
>afford it, but if you can't, the V50 AWD seems to be a good value. I am
>probably going to buy a used XC70 for the same amount as the V50.
In the UK V70's depreciate quite heavily. I chose between a new V50
and an 11 month old V70. The V70 was cheaper and much more car for
the money. The list price of the V70 new would have been £28K - I
paid £19K for an 11000 mile car.
Isn't the V50 AWD built more for speed than bad weather driving? The
XC70 has raised suspension and without the right tyres a 4x4 car won't
do much better in snow than a 2WD.

Signature
Tim Hobbs
'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70
My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
Dana Rohleder - 24 Oct 2004 15:50 GMT
Yes, the V50 AWD is a performance wagon - possibly overpowered for winter
driving. Torque and HP are no advantage on ice!!

Signature
Dana C. Rohleder
Port Kent, NY
>
>>Yes, and I absolutely agree - the V70 is much more car - and much more $$.
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> XC70 has raised suspension and without the right tyres a 4x4 car won't
> do much better in snow than a 2WD.