If the car has been properly looked after - ie regular oil and filter changes with good quality stuff, and if the PCV system has been maintained then there's no reason to shy away from a turbo-engined car. Trouble is that as a performance car ages there's a risk it'll end up at some point in the hands of someone who hankers after performance on the cheap. But if you can find one that has clearly been sensibly cared for then why not?
As for the seven seat option. If you look at something like a Zafira or Scenic then the back row of seats is generally wedged up against the tailgate, so in a rear-end shunt the passengers are vulnerable. In the V70 the 6/7th seat occupants are a fair way back from the tailgate. But they are facing the wrong way - so you can't so easily see them. Also, they have to get into and out of the car via the rear hatch, unlike a conventional MPV where access is via a side door.
Where the MPV wins is that the rearmost seats will take older children and even adults, whereas the V70 third row seats are really only suitable for younger kids.
But don't write off a phase 1 car - find a good one and it will be superb.
Cheers
Jack
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