I am headed to a wholesale auction (purchasing cars coming off lease directly from Volvo finance) on Weds and am planning on buying a V70. Most likely a '99 T5. Questions I need help with:

1) In an auction type environment what are the quick things that are the top problems to look at for? I can visually inspect the car and drive it for a short distance but can't take the car away to do a pre-purchase inspection (the price balances the risk to some extent here).

2) How common are standard transmissions?

3) I'm coming from a BMW M3 sedan...is a GLT something I should also be considering or is it a disapointment in terms of power/handling?

4) I'm looking for a T5 with the 16" wheels. Do most of them have the 17" upgrade or should this be easy to find?

5) Any recommendations for tires? I live in MA and plan on getting snows in addition to the summer tires. How much are the parts for new brakes? Where is the best place to get these online?

6) Is there a manual for the V70 out yet? I found a Chilton's for 850's...is that good enough?

7) Is the approximate $1k premium btw a '98 and '99 worth the commonly mentioned (on this site) possible difference in quality of parts?

8) Anybody have recent experience for what the current trade value is for a car of this type in NE?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
PLC