Well, I'd like to make this decision even harder
I bother giving you my bull**** only b/c I was a happy D60 user b4.
Your dilemma is based on two facts:
-D70 is better b/c of warranty
-D60 is better b/c of cheaper price
Period.
The rest are all blah blah. Both are solid cameras that can last many years. Remember that most cameras are better than most photographers. So how good a camera performs is dependent on the man behind. The problem is: technology makes things cheaper and better, so as to make people more addictive in (unnecessary) upgrading. Just look at myself, one live example.
I tend to pro Nikon these days if anyone asks me which DSLR to start. But now I gotta give D60 a push. I'll chose the D60 for the following reasons:
1. Cheaper. Save your money on two good lenses 17-40/f4 and 70-200/f4. Then you really have a great SYSTEM to start.
2. Although D70 is bundled with a very good lens, but it's a DX lens which cannot be used on a film body!! Image if u wanna shoot both digital and film formats, will you buy two types of lenses? I personally don't like the DX design. Nikon save R&D from full frame but time will testify whether it is a mistake. I think FF is the way to go in the future.
3. D60 has the option of grip, which is very useful for portraiture and also increase the weight for balancing a longer lens. Personally I prefer the feel of D60 better than that of 1D.
The list can go on and on, but pointless. What u really need to decide is which SYSTEM to get. Both cameras will be or have been considered as acient stuff within a few years. Your photos will last longer. Cherish your decision. You cannot go wrong with either.
btw, if your relative really go crazy wanna sell around 1k and u dun want to buy, DO LET ME KNOW