For all of the ETM pessimists (and I was one until I figured this out), consider this counterpoint. Since so many Volvo owner/buyers are spooked about the 99+ cars, they are practically being given away for nothing. I bought my 99 GLT for peanuts. It is a perfect bright red car with 62,000 miles, leather, alloys, sun roof etc. I couldn’t have purchased a VW Jetta for what I paid for it.
Because I bought it a dealership, I had the ETM software download done right away so that I know that the possibility of ETM failure is reduced. Since Volvo has increased the warranty on this part I am pretty certain that a failure will be paid for by them, not me. If it fails inside the warranty period, the replacement will outlive the car. If it fails post warranty, who cares? For what I paid for this car I’ll drive it to the junkyard.