[Martin Cox]

I've had a 1998 Tdi Auto since 2002 which has now covered 223,000 miles. Yes the engine is a 5 cylinder unit sourced from Audi with modifications by Volvo. The closest Audi version is the AEL version. About the only thing that kills these engines is cambelt failure and this is usually as a result of neglect. The dynamic pump timing is critical and it doesn't need to be off by much to have an adverse effect on starting and fuel economy.

Mine still returns about 42 mpg on a longer run but it's the automatic version and the manual transmission ones are rather better.

The air conditioning evaporators are prone to failure, most are probably dead by now or have already been replaced. It's not a pleasant job. Mine died about 10 years ago and I've yet to summon up the enthusiasm to do it. The headlamp reflectors are prone to dulling and the only satisfactory way of dealing with it is replacement.

Otherwise, if it's been well looked after, they're fairly vice free.

I also have a 2008 V70 2.4D auto and in some ways I prefer the older car.

If it's sensible money, I'd be tempted to go for it.

Hope this is of some help.

Martin