'99 S70 Vs. '98 And Under?

[wheelsup]

Been searching for a sedan for awhile, wanted a T5R and the wife was OK with it but recently a lower mileage (130k) '99 S70 popped up. Going to look at it tomorrow. I know the '98s on down are pretty much like my 95 850. The '99 and up has this ETM that fails, if I were to replace that (figured into asking price somewhat) anything else majorly different? Any bad things about the '99s on up? How about DIY projects, just as easy to work on? Can I still pull and delete CEL's using a generic OBDII scanner? I have VADIS now for my laptop for up to 2005 m/y's I believe but don't have that connector, it's like a grand on ebay. Umm, no not gonna happen.

Thoughts?

The worry I have mostly about T5R's is they tend to be beat on as the owners really put them thru the ringer, I'm trying to find a daily driver for my wife.

[Fudge_Brownie]

OBD-II scanner will work, as it is a government set standard that all cars made after 1996 conform to. You will be set with that one.

The ME7 ECU that 99+'s have is considered to have better control over the engine than M4.4/4.3. You can also flash the memory via the OBD-II port, something the M4.4/3's dont offer, so with the 1999 model you get a soft tuner.

[jablackburn]

Anti-whiplash system if you plan on crashing , "adaptive" transmission shifting (no S/E mode), no distributor/wires, better cruise control, different PS pump, and other minor things.

The 99 drives/takes off a little smoother, but not really a huge difference in the way the two drive.

[laird]

You won't find it that much different from your 850. The top end is slightly different, individual coil packs for example but basically the same layout you are familiar with. Read the 99 and later maintenance section for a while regarding the ETM and you should be prepared for what is to come.

[wheelsup]

Thanks guys looking at it this evening.

[crazykn]

I forget if it was the 99 or 00 model (or even both), but safety has improved over the 98. The side airbags have been modified to blow to protect the side as well as the head (which was an extension to the side airbag)! The sensors for the side air bags have been moved to the B-Pillar so it doesn't wait for the entire door to bend in before deploying. Not to mention you also get electronic brake modulation (which helps the car distribute the stopping force better between the front and rear) as well as the anti-whiplash system built into the front seats.

As for the ETM, there is a company (or person) who modifies them to no longer use a carbon resistive strip (which is what wears out), but a digital angle sensor (which cannot wear out, since there are no moving/contacting parts).

As for me, I'm sticking to my 98 S70, simply because its something I know how to work on.

[wheelsup]

I forget if it was the 99 or 00 model (or even both), but safety has improved over the 98. The side airbags have been modified to blow to protect the side as well as the head (which was an extension to the side airbag)! The sensors for the side air bags have been moved to the B-Pillar so it doesn't wait for the entire door to bend in before deploying. Not to mention you also get electronic brake modulation (which helps the car distribute the stopping force better between the front and rear) as well as the anti-whiplash system built into the front seats.

As for the ETM, there is a company (or person) who modifies them to no longer use a carbon resistive strip (which is what wears out), but a digital angle sensor (which cannot wear out, since there are no moving/contacting parts).

As for me, I'm sticking to my 98 S70, simply because its something I know how to work on.

Well I drove it. This is the first upfront and personal experience I've had with another Volvo outside of the 850 line. I actually like the 850 better from an interior perspective. The S70 feels kinda cheap and plasticy. Although the seats seemed much more comfy and padded. Overall the car was a POS though and badly in need of routine mx and some normal wear and tear things like the entire suspension. Biggest issue for me was the exterior paint was losing its clear coat and the interior was kinda ratty, not horrible but my 850 put it to shame and it's 4 years older.

So I'm back to looking. Here's a red '99 turbo at a dealer, although the wife really doesn't like red...

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ctd/1682079583.html

[jablackburn]

If I coulda found a red T5 with a black interior like that, I would have bought it right away

I think the wood dash paneling adds a nice feel to the S70 interior, and I DO NOT like them with the tan interior; otherwise, I agree, the inside does look kinda cheap on others I've driven. If that's something you'd want to add to it, it's easy enough to add the trim later on.

I was between my blue one and a red GLT with 170,000 miles on it 3 years ago. Oh well, the blue is cool too.

In addition to what everyone mentioned earlier, the 99 has VVT and a 105K belt change interval (you're probably aware of that). That complicates the belt change procedure a little bit, but really the procedure is basically the same.

The TRACS system can also control throttle input instead of just brakes, which makes it more effective than the junk system on all earlier models.

Definitely check out the history, maintenance, and CARFAX though...some of those smaller used car dealers around Raleigh can be pretty shady.

[wheelsup]

If I coulda found a red T5 with a black interior like that, I would have bought it right away

I think the wood dash paneling adds a nice feel to the S70 interior, and I DO NOT like them with the tan interior; otherwise, I agree, the inside does look kinda cheap on others I've driven. If that's something you'd want to add to it, it's easy enough to add the trim later on.

I was between my blue one and a red GLT with 170,000 miles on it 3 years ago. Oh well, the blue is cool too.

In addition to what everyone mentioned earlier, the 99 has VVT and a 105K belt change interval (you're probably aware of that). That complicates the belt change procedure a little bit, but really the procedure is basically the same.

The TRACS system can also control throttle input instead of just brakes, which makes it more effective than the junk system on all earlier models.

Definitely check out the history, maintenance, and CARFAX though...some of those smaller used car dealers around Raleigh can be pretty shady.

Yeah in general I don't want to buy from a used dealer. In fact I haven't ever bought a car like that. My second was from a new car dealer with used cars on the lot as well, at least made me feel a bit better. Actually it was a fantastic car, a 95 Altima, that is probably still running beautifully getting 38 mpg.

I'm not too concerned about the mx aspect as long as the car isn't completely trashed. I plan on replacing every sensor and electronic component (including the ETM) along with a timing belt change because I am gone from home 4-5 days a week and the wife needs a reliable car.

Oh also good to know about the trim, I really like the wood grain trim on my 850, makes it look good even if it is fake.