I've had the problem with my 98 V70 but only when it's quite cold outside. I've been told that it needs a new switch housing, a new switch, a new key and now this "lighted ring" solution. I believe it was a recall or perhpahs a TSD item but that could be erroneous. From my point of view, I've never not been able to start the car but, am intrigued by the lighted ring solution.

You're not alone. I have a '99 V70AWD with 35k miles... in the past 3.5 years it has done the 360-degree ignition trick twice. The dealer told us it was an anomalous malfunction of the antitheft system, and it hasn't recurred in at least the past year. I will look at the fix proposed by "Ed" on this thread, though.

As for your other observations about the '99 V70. I much prefer it to the current-generation V-series. It is a little narrower and much nimbler, and the interior is more driver-oriented and less plasticky. I love the way it rides and handles and I'm reasonably satisfied with hauling capacity (though I sometimes wish the wayback were four to six inches longer). I feel my family is safe in it.

But... an engine mount broke at 24,000 miles. It goes through headlight bulbs like popcorn. The finicky AWD means if you get one flat you have to buy $600 worth of new tires immediately. The car leaks fluids mysteriously; the dealer can't stop it. Dealer service checks run to the hundreds of dollars. My family and I have taken to calling the car the Delicate Diva. It ain't exactly a battle tank.

My feeling is that Volvo is still selling brand associations (ironclad durability, reliability, peace of mind) that actually got engineered out of the product years ago. These current cars are numbingly complex, highly unforgiving from a maintenance standpoint, and not as well executed qualitywise. And I expect that syndrome to worsen as Ford pressures Volvo to ramp up production volume.

I love the car, but it gives me no peace of mind and I wouldn't dream of keeping it without buying an extended warranty.

Just read "Janes" post above yours on her wacky electrical problem. Your just what we call a "lucky" one! My experience on my second Volvo will NOT have me going for a 3rd. The car's lost something in robustness through all the cross breeding! Its too bad! Bring back the "brick"!!!!

The '99 V70 needs a new immobilizer antenna ring. It's the lighted key ring device that goes around your ignition switch and is easy to replace. That'll fix your intermittant no start.