I am considering buying a used "volvo certified" 1998 S70 or an "uncertified" 1997 850. I am hesitant to consider the 98 S70 because a popular consumer magazine rated the 1998 S70 as a "do not buy" or "avoid". It appears that it is mainly due to hardware integrity and overall low reliability. Nothing specific was noted. However the 1997 850 is rated as having average reliabilty. THe only change that I am aware of from the 97 850 to the 1998 S70 was the relocation of the window controls and the cup holders. Also - any experience buying a "certified " vehicle? Is the extra cost worth it?

At last count I had over THIRTY problems and recall items with my late 1997 build T5, most minor. Lots of electrical problems. Three power door locks, for example. A sunroof that stuck part-way open in the long term parking lot of Newark International Airport. All the other usual stuff. It left me stranded only once, though, when the battery failed.

At less than 50,000 miles I'd hope the GLT is still under the original warranty. As others have mentioned, the little problems seem to get resolved early on. According to Kino's Volvo survey and posts here, the early little problems seem to get resolved to be replaced by later big, expensive problems such as the chronic AC evaporator problem, and the transmission problem.

I still LIKE my car. It "fits" me. I like the people at the two indy Volvo shops in my area. I don't plan to get rid of it. I often have thoughts of buying a new-generation T5 and giving my old one to my kid. Then I have to kick myself to wake up and come back to reality.....

Buy an extended warranty.

-Phil Punxsutawney

'98 V70T5M 63.5k mi., IPD Stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, Dunlop SP5000s, V-1, Mobil-1 always

Pat,

Buy the '98 (unless money is a problem). While similar there has been enough change between '97 and '98 to warrant the extra money. I had a '98 S70GLT for 50000 miles before I traded for another Volvo. The only problems I had was a sticking brake light switch and warped rear disks(both replaced under warranty). Great car! You won't be sorry.

Regards

I think the certified Volvo is worth the cost.

The 70 series had more changes then you mention. Dash and

interior was completly re-done. B pillars beefed up a bit

for better side impact (in 99 the side air bags also protect the

head, to just the chest). Slightly softer ride. Windshield

raked in a bit, etc. Overall, about 2000 changes as I

recall. My wife has a 95 855 and I have a 98 S70 and I can

easily notice many minor changes (the windshield wiper arms

are not even interchangeable).

As far as problems on the 98: If you choose a 98 make sure you

see the repair and service records. Problems in first 18 months

are probably going to be seen. But, after that there should not

be many problems (mine has not required dealer warranty work for

past 2 years). The engine and driveline have been very reliable

(Volvo gets good marks here) but the small things like rattles and

bulbs burning out plauge the car a bit. So, the problems that

put the car on the not recommended list are not major problems like

engine failure, brake problems, etc. If you can live with smaller

problems you would be OK. If you want every little thing perfect

it may not be the car for you.

98 models were available in 97 (I purchased mine in April 97)

so be careful in that a 98 may be older then you think.

Owning and driving both, I'd opt for the 98. But itwould be a

51% vs 49% sort of decision for me since I would be happy with

either.

Whichever you choose, you should have the dealer run the VIN

and checj to see that any recalls have been performed. All

years have recalls and they are typically safety related and

should be addressed. On the 98 the light switch was recalled

and the passenger side airbag required a better ground. Don't

know about 97s.

I'll second that. Once the minor annoyances are sorted out, it is a very fine car. If you get one, just tune in to the BB for support and advice.

BTW my car was in a serious wreck. Being a Volvo, it saved me and my wife from serious injury or worse. Being a Volvo, it could be put back together and be as solid, safe and precise as before.

Best wishes,

Bryan

Suggest you check "Kino's Volvo Site" and read his informal 850/SVC70 reliability survey.

It's not just trim. There are electrical and mechanical problems, too.

-Phil Punxsutawney

ADVICE TO ALL READERS - DO NOT log in to Kino's Volvo site - if you request the survey results you are redirected to hard core porn sites, including under-age !!

Distressing

Glad someone brought your reply to my attention, since I haven't been around for a while.

Sounds like your Brazilian ISP is pulling a fast one on you or you had some kind of script installed on your hard drive by a website you visited. Your posting is as much nonsense as I have ever heard (had to erase and edit my first description). Go to my website click on any page you want. Place your mouse over the hyperlink text and before you click on the lower right hand status bar you will see the page or site where it will sent you. None of these have anything to do with porn.

FYI - I am an 48 year old professional electrical engineer, who holds a professional registration in three states, certified state electrical contractor in Florida and married to the same woman for 24+ years. I have a 20 year old who already graduated from college and is half way through her masters degree, my youngest one is 18 years and also in college. They all drive Volvo's. I work as a programmer for a huge nationwide medical supply firm and make a very good living. Certainly don't fit the profile of a pornographer and I have no need to supplement my income by redirecting people to porn sites. I have put my site together as a way of contributing to the internet community. So what have you done lately other than slander me and misinform the public?