Jason,

As a C70 owner, I wish someone would have told me about these item before I bought mine.
This is a list of the common problems and complaints with the C70.

1.) Wind noice from the roof in the convertible, and window on all convertible and coupe. (No fix.)

2.) Under sized brake rotors and a tendency to warp rotors. Cost to replace - $200 for rotors, 70 for pads, 120 for labor.)

3.) Inability to get full life out of a set of oem pads without warping rotors.

4.) Inability to get more then 15K to 20K miles out of a set of brakes.

5.) Window regulators have a tendency to break regularly. (Cost $350)

6.) ABS Control module tend to fail every 30K miles at a cost of $500 to $600.

7.) Door Look actuactors break about one every 40K to 50K miles. (Cost $250 to $300.)

8.) Heater cores break around 60K. (450 to 500.)

9.) Spark plugs need to be changed every 30K miles. (30K Service - $650)

10.) Timing belts at 105K on new models, old models every 70K. (Cost $250)

11.) Headlights burn out more frequently due to daytime running light feature. (On average once every two months.) ($6.00)


12.) Service every 5K like scheduled at dealer $85 to $110. ( All they do is really change your oil and inspect the rest of the fluid. You might even get a car wash for that too.)

13.) This car is extremely maintenance intensive, but IT WILL RUN FOREVER!!

14.) Transmission should run at least 100K without rebuilding. Most have got at least 130K without problems. Engine should run at least 250K without a rebuild. Remember to use a Synthetic Oil, and change it regularly...3 to 5K miles.



I, along with most of the C70 owners I have talked to have experienced these problems, but we all love our cars. The C70 is unique, the insurance is relatively cheap, and its lighting fast. Plus to get the added bonus of knowing that if you get into an accident, you will walk away, but your car will not. It has better lines and is more comfortable then a MB CLK 320, or 430.

The bottom line is that this is a very dependible car, but it is not a cheap car to maintain.

My advice to you is if you buy this car, find a reliable independent mechanic that does good work. You will save yourself loads of money!!!

Good luck!!