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Can certainly appreciate the frustrations...just my 2 cents:
With the fly by wire throttle, you gain the ability for the ECU to remap the whole ignition sequence, allowing the variable valve timing to operate. High power output, more complexity unfortunately. This function, alongside individual ignition coils (and timing) are all computer controlled, whereas the red blocks were more mechanical in nature. Unfortunately 1999 was the first year (read: test year) for this new technology and it wasn't really sorted out until 2000 onwards, there are several TSBs about the ETM system and believe VCNA offered free of cost service on this system until 200k miles due to customer escalations (at least was the case and rumor mill some time ago).
Timing belt, well as with most newer cars you will find they are all "interference engines", and the same with coil over ignition. 2005+ cars are even nicer, smoother and more refined. As much as I loved my red block cars, I can still remember frustrations with 700 series fuel pumps, and AW71 check ball issues in the tranny - and a seemingly constant issue with the "wire map" for the rear lights on both 200 series I had....oh the good times.
My 07 S60 is a delight to drive and incredibly impressive in emergency vehicle situations, whether accelerating or decelerating. Still to this day I am utterly amazed at the DSTC (stability control) during emergency maneuvers with my car. Keeping 3500+ pounds from spinning out on wet roads while swerving and braking hard is quite the challenge for any car...I drive in central MA and this system has saved me during rush hour several times at this point. Similarly, merging onto the highways around here from a dead stop (quite regular in central MA) is never a worry in a car that does 0-60 in 6 seconds (a dream for a 4 cylinder).
Depending on what was paid for the car you can look at it two ways, always remembering the car is 14 years old at this point ^__^
Best of luck!
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