I am looking to sell my '93 240 Classic Wagon and obtain a XC Cross Country from '98 -'00. I have been presented with opinions at each end of the spectrum as to which year is the best. I have been told many times that the '98 was the last year of the "true" Volvo since Ford took over in '99 and consequently came out with the ETS system, a known problem w/ '99-00 XC's and a rather costly repair. I am looking to spend under $10,000 for my new Volvo and have found several betweeen '98-'00. I notice on many '98's the interior door panels come unglued as well as worn steering wheel's and other worn knobs and trim on the dash. Is the ETS the main concern with the XC after '98? What are the known issues with the '98? Doesn't much of the integrity of a used car depend on the previous owner(s)? I just want to know if Volvo/Ford made improvements on the '98 model since it was the 1st year for the XC or did it get worse because someone told me whatever I do don't buy a '99-'00, buy a '98.