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New for 1999:
This year, buyers of both coupe and convertible models will enjoy standard interior enhancements that include a leather steering wheel, redesigned interior light switches, 130-mph speed limiter, front fender turn indicators and red walnut dash trim in place of last year's black wood. A new 17-inch alloy wheel option is available in 1999 for both coupes and convertibles. The coupe also gets an in-dash cruise control indicator light. New colors include Desert Wind for the coupe and Champagne for the convertible.
New for 2000:
This year, buyers of both coupe and convertible models will enjoy standard interior enhancements that include head and chest side airbags and WHIPS, an innovative safety system that reduces head and neck injury in a rear-end collision by moving the seat back 15 degrees after impact. This prevents the person's body from snapping forward again. At the same time the headrest moves forward, providing extra support for the head and neck. Homelink is now standard on the C70 HPT coupe and exterior paint color Champagne is replaced by Moondust and Venetian Red.
The C70 HPT convertible is introduced for 2000 with either a four-speed automatic or a manual gearbox. Content includes all features on the LT convertible, plus an SC-900 radio, genuine wood dash inlays, auto-dimming mirror and a trip computer. The HT convertible can be spiffed up with options like heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and stability traction control.
New for 2001:
A new five-speed automatic transmission is optional equipment. Exterior styling remains the same, but there are new 16-inch wheels for all models, with the 17-inch wheels still being optional. Simulated wood trim replaces the previous car's burled walnut wood trim. The coupe's previously standard equipment of the trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, simulated wood trim, leather upholstery and sunroof are now part of the Grand Touring option package. The premium audio system is optional on the HPT coupe and standard on the HPT convertible.
New for 2002:
Volvo will offer the C70 Coupe in just one trim level, and the contents of last year's SE model will come with it, including the unique sport grille, 17-inch wheels and tires, power sunroof, leather upholstery, trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror and special dash inlays. New standard features for all C70s include Volvo's stability and traction control system (STC), heated front seats and an emergency trunk release. Convertibles also get 17-spoke alloy wheels and ride on Z-rated 205/55R16 Pirelli tires. Genuine wood dash trim replaces the "wood effect" trim in the optional Touring Package for the C70 LPT convertible. Ash Gold is now an exterior color choice, while Turquoise Metallic and Venetian Red Metallic have been discontinued.
New for 2003:
For 2003, the C70 is only available in convertible form. Slight power increases are in store for both powertrains, with the LT engine now making 196 horsepower, an enhancement of six, and the HT engine producing 245, a boost of nine ponies over last year's output. The headlamps and taillamps have a jeweled effect, and the front grille is darkened. A rainbow of new colors -- Maya Gold, Ruby Red and Titanium Grey -- burst onto the scene.
To stay in the $25k range, it looks like you might need to go for a '99 LT with about 40K miles (this is all according to Edmunds numbers, by the way, minus a few bucks because I've always found that I can do a little better than edmunds).
Oh, and I wouldn't worry about a rebuilt tranny if it was done by the dealer. Something you might want to think about while surfing Ebay, though, is that a certified pre-owned Volvo from a dealer comes with a nice warranty (7 year/74K miles) that will give you peace of mind.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Convert is YV1NC... Coupe is YV1NK.
According to Volvo somewhere between 500-700 convertibles arrived for the 98 model yr.
Tranny repl. on an 01 is odd, but should present no problems.
LT's are faster to 35mph, HT's are faster after that.
Also HT's are better at highway passing.
LT suspension setup is a little softer than the HT although it is hard to feel the difference sometime.
HT'a also came with real wood in the dash and the SC901 sound system. Also the HT was the only way to get a stick.
I guess I need to go test drive a new one from the dealer to see what a new one rides like, versus a used older one. Maybe it was the tires he had on the car, I don't know. I used to have a Sebring Convertible and for double the money of a Sebring, I guess I expected alot more than was there.
although the Lt w/ 16" wheels will be as soft as they get.
What noise were you concerned with?
I've always felt it was ine of the quietest convertibles out there.
Very little wind noise top up or down.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
My Sebring convertible was a 96 (their worst year) and I guess in 2001 they got a structural, integrity, performance, noise and vibration makeover. And I haven't test drove those yet. I know they are alot cheaper and no resale, but to me, its all about the ride. I did an edmunds side by side comparison on the C70 and the Limited Sebring, check it out. I guess I need to look at the maintenance costs, and everything else also. What really surprised me is looking at the Toyota Solara Convertible and some of the reviews panned that car also!
I am just looking for the best bang for my buck, as I am not brand loyal to anyone. Thanks for all the comments!
Noise limits are relative, some people like to hear whats going on others don't.
I love the way my C70 sounds when it accelerates!
-Rich
A manual HPT is a tough car to find though.
Not many were produced.
Mechanically the car is an S70 and they do hold up well past the 50k mark.
My coupe is a 2002, only have 2900 miles on it!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Today, a buddy of mine has a BMW 330 coupe that he let me test drive. I like the way the key has the alarm and door control buttons, nice touch. I took it out on the highway and before I knew it, I looked at the speedo and I was doing 85! No way! But, it was rough ride, like a sports car.
Then I went a test drove a Solara Convertible loaded. It was a nicer ride, smoother, however, even with the top up there was a noticable shake in the ride. Also, I could hear the wind hitting the top by the windshield (hard to describe). It has a great stereo system and the leather is nice. Then I put the top down and felt like my head was sticking above the windshield. It just feels like a 'small' car.
I guess I am too picky, or there is something wrong with me. I can't believe I am the only one in the world that wants a nice convertible with plush leather seats and a nice ride. Although, I haven't test driven the Sebring yet. That will be on Friday.
So until then...
The Euro conv's ride like sports cars.
The [non-permissible content removed] ones are flimsy, except the Miata, which has a euro ride
The American ones will fall apart or depreciate like falling safes.
Sebring is prob the best bet for the ride you want, but I'd go used.
-Rich
For example, taking a look at this particular board, you have less than 700 messages in almost 4 years since it was started (first message posted Feb, '99). That is a remarkably low number. Even if half of those were complaints (which they are not), that is less than 100 complaints a year on average. I think that is VERY low. I'm not going to do the research, but I'd be willing to bet you'd find a higher average than that on many "reliable" car message threads.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
While its true that some of the early C70's had minor issues the vast majority were trouble free.
People who are unhappy are always more vocal than people who are happy.
After all you never see anyone on a soapbox in the park shouting about how wonderful his life is!
Those of you who have had good success playing CD-Rs, what software are you using to burn the CDs?
Snowed on us Saturday night and had to get my haircut Sunday morning. You all will be happy to know that the 17 inch Bridgestones suck just as bad in the snow as the 17 Michelins that I used to have.
Tmart - My friend indicated that it got down to mid 40's last week. Heard he actually THOUGHT about wearing jeans.
*wink*wink*nudge*nudge*KnowwhatIMean*KnowWhatIMean*
I'll definitely let you know when we're coming down. Hopefully before March of next year. My friend has been bugging me to come down and see their place. Still trying to figure out what he needs a Land Cruiser for.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I am NOT involved in any way with this auction, just thought y'all might be interested, because the windscreen really works.
Help, my car is undrivable, and I don't want to bother changing tires every two months!
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I didn't know Sears offered that. They were the authorized dealer on my last problem, and told me no warranty. Even with a warranty, I hate to keep replacing tires so often, even if they're free. It's such a pain!
I mean how many people stopped buying Toyotas because of their mistakes? Not many because they are way more on the good side than on the bad.
Which tire to use is truly a personal decision. However, after two (apparently back-to-back) incidents of cracking and bubbling for ph0493, the concept of statistical anomaly gets stretched a bit.
Absent a recall program, the end user must make the decision to stay or switch. The example you gave of Toyota can be countered by Audi and their problem with "sudden acceleration". After numerous incidents, the problem was attributed to the placement of the brake and accelerator pedals being too close together (and the driver stepping on the accelerator pedal when they meant to step on the brake pedal - otherwise known as operator error....) Nevertheless, Audi suffered serious market erosion and consequent financial loss that has only recently been turned around.
By the way, I have a set of 4 Pirelli 235/45 H17 tires that were originally supplied on my S60 AWD that have no wear at all. (I supplied the dealer with a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires and requested the Michelin's be mounted before I would take delivery of the car.) If anyone is interested in the Pirelli's, let me know and I will open up an auction on eBay.
The new C50 will not be available till 2005.
Long time, but not the longest serving Volvo.
The 240 ran from 1975 till 1993!
I don't like Pirellis, they wear too fast and don't provide as much grip as you think.
I love my Pilot Sports, much better tire.
Also rides much better.
Had a set of P-Zeros on my T5-R, didn't see the value.
We've heard all the same things.
All we know is that the car will be built from the new P1 chassis, and is supposed to feature a retractable hard top.
The price should be a good bit less than the current C70 convertible, although the car will be smaller too.
As for Volvo's lack of info, this is not surprising. They are a very secretive company.
They want to maximize the wow factor of a product unveiling.That and they don't want to take the focus off selling their existing cars
"But while the similarly named V70 wagon was redesigned two years ago (and moved to the larger, more luxurious S80 platform), the C70 continues to ride on the 10-year-old previous-generation S70/V70 platform while waiting for a complete makeover. Of course, older underpinnings don't make the C70 an undesirable car -- it's simply not the best the company has to offer. The C70 competes against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLK, the BMW 3 Series and the Saab 9-3. It is not as performance-oriented as the Mercedes or BMW, but the C70 does have its own unique advantages."
Are they trying to sell this car or make excuses for it???