Advice-trip -what to do

[Circusboy]

Advice
Hello I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice?
Next year my family (wife and 7yr old) are planning a road trip around Europe for a year.
We plan on driving from the UK and driving throughout Europe for the year -living in cities and camping as we go -(whilst I work)
We are looking to buy a Volvo for the trip - something reliable and comfortable, with some space.

I have a few scenarios in my head.

1. Do I buy an old V70 or XC70 around 2005-2007 - and drive this abroad. If so what do I look out for in terms of engine size/spec / model / - how many miles etc and what price? Any tips on making it last for the trip?
2. Do I spend the money and buy a 2014/2015 v60 for around £8k and have a reliable -young car for the trip. I was thinking if I take this option to perhaps ship to Australia (where I may settle) at the end of my trip as this car is worth a lot there (any advice there)
3. My third option is to travel to Sweden buy an old v70 or xc70 which is left hand drive, cheaper and low miles.Register it to my name in the UK (where I live) and take this on my trip . (Pros: cheaper,lower miles and left hand drive) any advice on this option -including trying to see it in the uk at the end of the trip.

At the end of the day big factors are -reliability, cost of running and price.

Sorry very confusing post - I’m not great with this sort of stuff and clearly need your wisdom on what I should do.
All I know is that I love Volvos and am excited to get one.
Thanks again.

[olszewm]

You might also want to factor in whether you want to go diesel or petrol. You will be doing a lot of mileage so diesel seems the natural choice, however, more and more cities in Europe are banning diesels. If those cities are on your list then going petrol might not be such a bad idea.

[HDAV]

I would certainly consider looking for a lhd if the car is almost exclusively for use on the continent.

Belgium is where I would look big Volvo market close to U.K. not such harsh winters as Sweden agree re petrol/diesel debate, but in all reality if travelling for months and camping would a van not be a better option? Modern vans are almost as comfortable and easy to drive as a car offer more space and the option to sleep in the back of weather is awful, not suggesting a “camper” but a transit vivaro lwb low roof would be my choice possibly with rear seats.


Have a chat with this guy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164337982152