How important are age, mileage, service history when buying?

>having driven the newer V70 myself, why don't you look to one
>of these? There are a lot of improvements over the older 850.
>The 97-2000 models even look the same externally.

Are there mechanical improvements? I drove a V70 and an 850 yesterday but the (better cared for) 850 was my preference. Handling comfort etc seemed to be very similar.

>How do the prices compare over in Germany? £6000 over here will get you >a lot of car.

Can't honestly say since I haven't checked the prices in the UK. The 96 850 estate (2.5. 20v) with just over 100 000 KMs (60-70 0000 miles?) was just over 5 thousand. I've seen plenty here that seem better value but none are in such good condition.

>"mine'll do 70mph on the motorway. what more do you want"

Since I live in Germany 120mph or so where lack of traffic and limits allow. Also the ability to accelerate nicely from lower speeds for getting past before a Porsche(or such like) appears in the rear view mirror is handy.