Hey all,

I am considering the purchase of a 1999 S70 from a friend of mine. He has owned the car since new and it has taken it's fair share of family car abuse.

Because I know very little about these cars (I've owned 3 240's and a 740), what should I be on the lookout for? I've heard mixed reviews about the 5 cylinder motor? Any Suggestions?


Thanks in Advance,

Rob K.
Chapel Hill, NC

DoA,

The 850 with a not-so-extreme makeover.

Once the several annoying problems are taken care of, usually during the first years under warranty, it's obvious that it is a really fine car.

Routine maintenance can be expensive unless you do it yourself. And, these cars do require more maintenance than most other makes.

The help from fellow BB members is priceless.

Have fun,
Bryan

I had an 84 240 DL, then a 91 945 Turbo. Their ride did not compare to my 98 V70 I got 1 1/2 years ago. It's a lot more comfortable. I like it so much that I got a 98 S70 for my daughter.

Like everyone says, look out for the ETM issue on 99 and up. See this website for models involved: http://home.comcast.net/~donwillson/

...its all the stuff that's bolted TO the motor that will give you the problems!

Mine still uses no oil between changes at 167,000 miles.

I had an oil analysis performed at 155,000 miles and the numbers were the same or better than the numbers the guys were posting over at the "R" board on their new cars.

OTOH I think there are about 2 (two) pieces of the AC system that haven't been replaced.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, XC grill, Lidatek LE30, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

I agree, the 5-cyl engine, the manual transmission, and the basic chassis are robust. My V70 has been very dependable, and the ETM has not failed yet. The clutch is fine, and all the switches, etc. in my car are still fine. My complaint is with the crummy customer service from Volvo NA. Once the car is out of warranty, you're dirt.

I had a 1999 S70 for 2-1/2 years. Had my obligatory ETM failure, and am now recovering the cost from Volvo. That was it for any problems. The car is one of the finest I have ever owned. We had a V70 for 4 years that we traded in on a Honda Odyssey, but only because my wife really wanted a mini-van when our baby was born. I loved that V70 also. Best wagon made in my opinion.

We just traded in the 1999 S70, for a 1999 S70 AWD with 25,000 less miles on it. (do I have to change my 99-S70 Brickboard name?) It is even better in mountain and snow driving, incredible actually.

If you have records (both mine had been serviced regularly by Volvo), and you realize the electricals that can occur, and it is not mechanically abused, then it should be a great car. Of course it will cost you more to maintain than a Toyota, but no comparable Toyota will perform like it. As an added note, the 1999 S70 specifically is one of the few Volvos ever listed by consumer reports as a used car best bet (listed last year).

However, several years and versions of the S60 and S80 are now ON the "reliable used cars" list!

But OTHER years and versions of the S60 and S80 are on the "Used cars to avoid" list!

I have the NEW April issue open in front of me... LOL, there's nothing else on the lists like this.

The '02 S60 and '04 S60 are on the "Reliable" list and the '03 S60 is on the "Avoid" list!

Caveat emptor!


-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 167k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, E-codes, XC grill, Lidatek LE30, V-1, Mobil-1 since new

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Noel Adams (1952-2001)

I noticed that on the new CR. The S70 is no longer listed, but it was so still is an advantage. Interesting about the S60 bad sandwiched between two good bets. Probably some individual supplier(s) problems that year (they change various suppliers constantly on some components). I did consider an S60 AWD, but I really like the whole setup of the S70 better (especially the handling), though the S60 AWD is a fine car.

The 5 cyl engine is like the red engines, great. The only "problem" is the timing belt must be changed before it breaks.
Check the tranny fluid, it might need flushing.
Typical Volvo electrical problems.

Klaus
--
(V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

Check the prior posts on ETM problems--about $1000 per. Adjust price accordingly, if replacement not already done.
--
We have met the enemy and they is us. [Pogo] S70 T5 cop car : Rough Rider suspension, Walmart fog lights, eBay speakers, ambiance by Pall Mall, trim by Le Duc d'Tape, 8-channel THD by OEM amps

ETM is covered under Volvo warranty. They will replace it and cover you up to 200K. I have a 1999 S70 Manual Tranny and it has been nothing less than bullet proof. 135 K on it. Replaced timing/ serp belt, one set of brakes, new Bilstine shocks (Like the ride better) that is IT!!!!!!!

Amazing car. I expect to drive it another several hundred K.

J-

Did you also replace the timing belt tensioner ?

The S70 would be my choice if buying a new one tommorrow, they are the best thing going from Volvo. That being said they are not without their problems:

ETM failures
ABS ECU failures
Spring seat failures
Rear main seals
Expensive timing belt changes when you throw in the tensioners and pullies


For the most part they are pretty good little cars and will serve the first owner very well for the first 100K. Past that be prepared to spend a little money on them. But what the hell it is nothing that the coveted red engine cars were not prone to. Look at those cars, you tend to have to buy them all over again around 150K. What with 150K services, trans reseals, water pumps, front engine seals, drive belts etc. All in all the white engines and the transmissions they are coupled with have been a good deal, S80 GM trannies are another story however.

Mark