Re: 'The vibration is termed "cowl shake" and is a known, uncurable problem with ALL FWD convertables by design due to lack of the roof structure.'

The part about it being uncurable is just plain not true. Maybe not curable by Volvo directly, but ipduda.com and eurosporttuning.com both offer pretty affordable products which "cure" the issue.

My experience isn't unique. Before I bought mine, I asked a former co-worker, who also drives a '99 C70 Convertible LPT, about handling and stability, and he said it felt like an aluminum sail boat until he put in a pair of IPD stabilizer bars, front and back.

He's also had zero problems with the convertible top in six years -- but like me, he lives in the temperate, practically-constant climate of the SF bay area's south peninsula. It can rain in buckets, but rarely freezes and never sees much in the way of winds.

As for price, I couldn't agree with you more. I think the $40K+ range for a new first-generation C70 is insane. Always liked the car, but that price was simply ludicrous. Our '99 V70R AWD has been so good, however, I don't mind just waiting a few years and finding a good used one to buy for well under half that. Depreciation can be your friend.

Sorry, but some of us have experiences which simply don't support your pessimism. As you yourself wrote, "I hate all convertables" may just say it all.

-KB
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'99 C70 Convertible || '99 V70R AWD || '90 780 Turbo (for sale)