Well, I can comment about both Volvos and Subarus.

My dad has a 98 Volvo S70. Great car. He's had it for like 10 years, and I cant think of any problems he's had with it, besides something stupid like a power window switch or turn signal switch.

On the other hand, my mom has a 2001 Subaru Outback. Had it for maybe 5 years, and has had NUMEROUS problems. Seems to leak EVERY fluid out of it. Fuel lines seep and smell up the interior, steering rack leaking all over the ground, and the icing on the cake, the headgasket leaks oil and water externally. Gets bad gas mileage too. I'm trying to get her to cut her losses and convert to a 4Runner.

My 2 cents, get the volvo.