Folks-

I'm considering purchasing a 2000 S70, cold weather package, electric everything, home link system, in other words loaded. I would like other's experiences and opinions with this model if you have the time. The research I have done so far has shown that most of the S70 problems were worked out by this model year, except the bulb issue for which a recall was issued. Is this true? Or if you have an opinion on a different Volvo 2000 + model for around $15,000 or less, if you have the time, I would certainly appreciate it. This car is for my mother who has a physical handicap. I want to make the best decision for her and obviously don't want her stranded.

BTW, we presently have a 1991 740 Sedan and 1987 740 Turbo Wagon. Other than emissions issues, we have been pleased.

Thanks in advance!

Chryse
Atlanta

Just an observation, may not mean much, but a fellow (745tic) asked the same two weeks earlier (Mar 15th) and got no response. :)

That may be why I've received so many kind, descriptive responses. I am female. A benefit I didn't even think about! :)

We have a 2000 S70 GLT SE (~41000 miles) that we bought new, which is essentially everything you describe -ie, every option. So far the car has been very good to us. Aside from the recalls, we had the following, all covered since we are still under warranty:
- headlight wiper motors replaced.
- shift knob replaced (dealer chipped it)
- steering wheel replaced (color flaking off).
- Door panels (all 4) replaced, all bubbling.

Our dealer has been great during all of these, no questions asked, they just fixed it, and gave loaners for every trip. We're very pleased.

KC-

I understand there is a light connection recall, but am not aware of the others. Can you tell me what they were when you have a minute?

TIA,

Chryse

I have a 2000 S70 GLT/SE which I bought new and have 45K miles on it now. I traded my 1998 S70 for it. While the 1998 had several small problems which were irritating only, I liked the car until I had to drive in the mountains and then I decided I needed more power and an automatic transmission.

Despite the similarity in appearance and function between the two cars, I was really surprised how much superior the 2000 was over the 1998. The car is more rigid (no creaks and squeaks over curbs and driveways which stress the body), quieter, slightly more comfortable ride. more standard features, and, to this point, none of the small, irritating problems. The car has been super and I see me keeping it for many years to come. I'm very satisfied with it although I wish the ride was not so stiff.

I follow this and other S70 forums as well as the car ratings by Consumers Union and Edmunds, etc., and have noticed that the 2000, the last of the design, seems to be much more trouble-free than earlier models. I consider mine the last Volvo. From my S70 on, I consider them to be Volvos and Fords with the "Ford" influence in design and engineering becoming progressively greater.

I would definitely buy the car again.

I have a 2000 S70 GLT. I have found it to be very reliable. However, I only have 19,000 miles on the car and am probably not the best data point. In terms of warranty items, this is what I've had:

-Floor mat retaining clip came off. Got a new clip.

-Trip computer switch replaced.

-Front door gasket retaining clip was replaced.

-Four-way flasher module was replaced after car was transported across country.

All very minor.

In the family we have had 240s, a 740, and a 940. In terms "youthful" problems, the S70 has been the most trouble free.

Just one data point. There are some known "hot spots" on the S70.

-Ted

Irollturbo: Where did you get a floor mat retaining clip? I have been looking for one for my 1996 850 GLT forever, can't find one online to save my life! Did you go to a dealership?

With 0-60 times in the mid 6s and a 155 mph top speed, my '98 V70 T5 5-speed is still a hoot to drive!

I have somewhat mixed feelings about the car. After 138,000 miles my car still uses absolutely no oil, the 5-speed manual transmission still shifts like new and the clutch is still the original one. From that perspective Volvo has exceeded my expectations. With 236hp from 2.3 liters I really didn't expect the drivetrain to be as durable as it has been. However, many components have been replaced not just once but three and even four times so far. The "problem spots" of the design are the elecrical components, AC system and brakes.

1. In it's latest issue, Consumer Reports does not recommend ANY Volvos as used cars. It actually says to AVOID several models, including the XC, other AWD versions, and various years of the SV40, XC90 and the S80.

2. According to the owner's surveys at Kino's Volvo site, http://kinovolvo.velez.ws/ the "troublle spots" with the design have been more-or-less consistent from the first 850s in 1993. Few of the basic design problems have been fixed and new ones have appeared over the years. When my AC evaporator failed the service manager said it was among the very the FIRST '98s to fail! The problems, many of which Volvo THOUGHT it had fixed, continue.

So if you're unintimidated by, say, the maintenance requirements of a Porsche, this is a great car! Less enthusiastic people will probably be happier with a Lexus ES300, Toyota Avalon or Camry.

Good luck!

-Punx

'98 V70T5M, 138k mi., iPd stabilizer bars, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, Bilstein HD struts and shocks, Valentine-1, Mobil-1 always, e-code headlight lenses, Dunlop SP5000AS