I am considering purchasing an S70 SE 2000. With 60,000 miles on it. Service history seems to be complete, and looks to in good condition. Is there anything in particular I need to look at as I am doing second inspection of it later this week.

Must say I am a complete novice when to comes to the front wheel drive bricks. I have owned a few 740's. And my wife now wants to update. So any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers.

P.S. does anyone know if this model comes with the curtain airbags, or are they just the side impact bags??

Thanks once again.

It has only side bags mounted in the seats, the curtains came with S80...
Expect that the sway bar links may need to be replaced but it is quite easy diy, also check for worn lower arm balljoints. If it goes quiet on rough roads it is probably ok. The balljoint is integrated with the lower arm so replacement is quite costly...
The rear brakes are sensitive to rust and needs regular attention. There are rubber bushings mounted in two aluminum blocks in the rear axle. The aluminum corrodes over time, worth checking. The major engine concers seem to be TEM module and the O-ring problem
I got a V70 -00 myself, the sway bar links and rear brakes has been the main problems but it is a great car otherwise

The 2000 SE has the 12 spoke wheels, CD player, wood dash,leather interior but uses the Denzo ($$$) system. If it is a GLT SE then you have a LPT which uses the Motronic system which has many fewer problems.side airbags are standard as they were in'96 up.

It should be just about time for the electronic throttle control to crap out. Deduct from your purchase offer $1000 plus the cost of a flatbed ride to the nearest dealer. See archives for details.
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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

Other than the aforementioned ETC, look for peeling/separating vinyl in the recessed areas of the door panels near the window controls.

I have a 2000 S70 SE which I bought 3 years ago with 39,000 miles on it. I now have over 91,000 and I have had no problems whatsoever with this car...great choice...buy it and enjoy it!

I REALLY wish I could say the same for my 98 S70. No major problems but a TON of minor ones: interior leather bubbling-up, bulbs go out, front speaker electrical short, both rear door locks broke (very fragile construction), gear shift button sticks, power steering pump squeal (also, always been hard to steer), windows roll down VERY slowly for some reason, sun visor lock tab broke, while adjusting rear-view mirror it broke-off in my hand, cup holders broke (very fragile).

I could go on. I bought it in 98' with 19k on it. I thought most S70 owners were all having similar troubles. They appear to be having some, but I think I am in the "lemon" category. I still have my 87' 240 wagon that has had a fraction of the problems the S70 has had.

I have a 01' Lexus GS300 now. MUCH better car. Maybe the 2000 model S70 was improved? You decide.

S70lovehate,

I still have my '98 GLT that I bought used.

I've also experienced most of the problems listed except for the broken visor tab, speaker short and rear door locks.

Virtually all of them were fixed under warranty except for the de-laminating door panels. I''m still very unhappy with the way Volvo refused to take responsibility for their supplier's failure.

OTOH the problems are on par with other Euro performance sedans. Even after all the annoyances, I still think that it is a great ride. And, I've learned to do most of my repairs--to avoid insolvency.

The squeal could be the serpentine belt. When was the last time you checked/ changed the belt?

Bryan