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I have 50+ years in cars and trucks, and I happen to like Volvos. Each model has its merits and demerits. The 1999 S/V/C70 are a real pain, especially the ETM. www.xemodex.com has a very good upgrade for the ETM by the way.
Interference engines? All modern cars have that problem, but did you know that 'newer' Volvo engines have timing belt replacement over 120K miles? And the really new Volvos have timing chains?
The individual coil overs were stuffed into an engine that was not designed for them, no fresh air passed over the coils and they overheat and crack. Blame Volvo for that one, they always have been cheap - wanting to use up all parts in their storage bin before ordering better designed ones.
Don't forget the tranny issues! When Volvo announced that the fluid was good for life, life turned out to be 100K and well past warrantee.
I happen to like ABS and DSTC, along with electronic climate control and 200+ bhp. I don't like an oil filter tucked behind the exhaust manifold and a cabin blower motor that cannot be reached. Heated seats are nice, but the S/V/C70 also has heated side bolsters which are a great improvement.
Oil in the #2 plug hole? Sign of poor maintenance and use of cheap motor oil. I guess your friend bought the 1999 because it was cheap. He should have bought a 1998.
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