Owned a 99 S70 NA. One of the best Volvo's I owned. No problem with the ETM but did send the ABS board out to Vic Rocha for his $100 service instead of $1000 at the dlr. It was a perfect car for my son going back and forth to school and Canada from Seattle. Sadly, it was totaled. He walked away without a scratch.

I'm going to recommend you don't pursue the 960's. I owned 3 of them. I like them but your mileage will be limited to 22-24 mpg on the road. No matter how you drive you won't get over those levels. If the car is in a hot climate the leather on the door panels will pull away from the backing and "gather" right at the window sill. No repair available. Front end work will wear out prematurely in a hot climate as well. Timing belt in 97's and 98's is 70K. Interval in my '92 though was 30K. Easier to work on than the S70 and 850's because the engine is not transversely mtd the cars are also known for their electrical problems. They are nicely appointed and fun to drive but you may begin to have problems getting parts, even such things as shocks. It is RWD and posi-traction. I do miss them but I think I like the S70's, V70's a bit better. Just one man's opinion.