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Volvo S70

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Comments

  • lauriejlauriej Member Posts: 3
    I purchased a Volvo S70 and had the same ignition problem three separate times. Each time I returned it to the dealer for repair, they told me it was something else causing the problem. The car left me stranded on two separate occassions. I contacted Volvo (re: lemon law) and they would not even return my calls. I was forced to trade the vehicle in, or risk being stranded in the middle of nowhere. I reported Volvo's non-responsiveness to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) - they followed up and received a letter from Volvo stating "after numerous attempts to repair the vehicle, it was determined the best course was to replace the vehicle". Volvo did not replace the vehicle - far from it. Trading in and replacing are two very different things. Replacement implies a new car at no additional expense. I took a huge loss when I was forced to trade the car in. I informed the BBB that Volvo had not replaced the vehicle - and they could not get any more information / answers out of Volvo. I wrote Volvo a letter telling them they had lied to the BBB, and I was told to go see the dealer. VOLVO IS BAD NEWS!!!!!
  • joel2468joel2468 Member Posts: 75
    your Volvo S70 for? You can see from previous posts that I had almost the exact same problem with startting/ignition, and was left stranded three times (two required tows, one of the tows took 6 hours through the Volvo response number). Although the dealership really tried to help, they could not diagnose the problem...all I got was that "there are no computer codes". They quit trying each time after the car magically started. I traded mine in January for a Toyota Avalon, and although the Volvo is better in some respects (brakes, steering, seats), the Avalon isn't all that bad, and certainly has been reliable. I asked for information on brickboard.com, and was answered by many people that what I was experienceing was "lawnmower syndrome", something that happens when a Volvo engine is started and allowed to run only for short periods of time (as if to move the car to get a lawnmower out of the garage). This causes a loss of compression. Too bad, the Volvo only had 22K miles, and I too lost money on the trade in. By the way, the dealer didn't want the trade in. I offered to buy another car from the dealer if the price was right, and the only car they could offer below 30K was an S40 sedan, with little or no options. Maybe the S60 will be better, and I'll take another look...but, once burned, twice shy.
  • lauriejlauriej Member Posts: 3
    The car is terrific - but the payments are terrible. The only way I could get out of the Volvo was to go into a lease - now I am stuck for the next 3 years - and there is no way I can get out of it. I have to return the Lincoln to the original dealer under the terms of the lease. This dealer really "stuck it" to me, and I have zero desire to do any additional business with them. Ford Motor Credit is adamant about returning the leased vehicle to the original dealer under any circumstance (early termination or end of lease). I have told everyone I know about Volvo and this particular dealership. If Volvo was the only car manufactured - I would ride a bicycle or walk!!!! I told Volvo the biggest reason I purchased a Volvo was because in all the years I have been driving (over 20) I have never seen a Volvo broken down on the side of the road - they actually laughed at me and said "well this is the new generation of Volvo's". Once burned is correct, but I would not even bother looking at another Volvo - their reliability and customer satisfaction has become non-existent. I only hope that anyone considering ANY Volvo will see this write-up and stay away.
  • bakefly1bakefly1 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 98 s70 t-5. No problems so far. 33k miles. The car rides a little tight. Has anyone out there done anything to soften the ride? Tires? Aftermarket accessories?

    Overall, pretty happy with the car. It is far more solid than the other cars I consired when I bought this used last year (looked at 300M, TL, Passat, and A-4).
  • volvoscottvolvoscott Member Posts: 26
    Bakefly1,

    There's not really much you can do to soften it up because that's just the way the car was designed to handle. Plus being a T5 model, you have 16" wheels, as to 15" on everything the base and GET. Therefore you must use a lower profile tire and they simply don't give as much. You might check into seeing what tire sizes will fit what you have, but the difference probably won't be substantial. Best of luck.

    Scott
  • lms37lms37 Member Posts: 8
    I have 55,000 miles on my T5. I've loved my car. It's so much fun to drive. My husband can't stand it because of all the little things that have gone wrong. Nothing major, just things like cupholders breaking several times, door locks not working properly, electric seat broken, etc. Actually, we've had 37 warranty repairs since '98. Still, it's been a fun car. We won't be getting another Volvo, though, because of the problems. Next is an Audi A6 2.7t 6-speed manual. Very nice and smooth. Fast, too.
  • ramondhpramondhp Member Posts: 1
    If you don't mind taking your car in to have light bulbs replaced 4 times in the first year of ownership, then buy this car. Oh, I musn't forget the electric windows and locks going out.
    Oh and I almost forgot to mention the button on the driver door for the door to my gas cap - it went out also. Yeah, if you have a schedule which permits you to take your S70 in for repair about every two months, then buy this car. I leased it new, paid too much for this inconvenience. I am REALLY sorry I traded in my 98 Accord for the S70, I NEVER had one problem with it. If you have had this problem, don't bother calling Volvo - dealership or Volvo of N. America. They could care less.
  • bakefly1bakefly1 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 98 S70 T-5. I have had only minor problems. In general, I have enjoyed the car. If I have a complaint, it is the cost of Volvo maintenance. You spend a fortune for each 10k maintenance. My last maintenance at 30k was about $500 and nothing serious was wrong. I had a headlight replaced and the rear brakes replaced. They replaced the rotors under warranty.

    My previous American cars were easier to maintain and much less expensive to have repaired. However, I really do enjoy the car, I just wonder at times if a 300M or AL would have been just as nice with lower total cost of ownership.
  • rollierollie Member Posts: 337
    Regarding post #214:

    30k is the first major service for the S70 T5 which is why it is so expensive (still your dealer seems a bit on the high end). As I recall there was a turbot adjustment (re-torquing?) and possibly even a timing chain (which in retrospect doesn't sound right but it's what I remember here at about midnite!) Regardless, my experience has been that Volvos maintenance cost are about the same as Toyota (reliability is a different story as Volvos are about average as a masque while Toyota are at the top of the scale.)

    -rdo
    rdollie@home.com
  • hyiuhyiu Member Posts: 18
    Hi all:

    I have a 97 850 GLT... (which shares parts with S70...) (since I couldn't find a 850 section...)
    I have a question... when I buy the car, I'm stupid enough not to go for a cd player... and now only has a casette player. I would like to change to a cd player... (a trunk changer or simply change the stereo itself..) since the stereo can be pulled out and unplug without touching anything else!!...

    I asked the dealer... they said they can only do add-on (trunk mounted cd changer) and cost $850 (including installation !!!!) that is WAY TOOOOO MUCH !!!.... Anyone has any sites or info to get original compatible stereo equipments at a more reasonable price ??

    thanx..

    - hyiu.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    but, you might want to try crutchfield.com and maybe even give them a call.

    '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

  • volvoscottvolvoscott Member Posts: 26
    Another option you could do is this. Go to a salvage yard and get a head unit with the cd player in the head unit. Make sure it's a black face to match the 850 interior. You could even ask for one that doesn't work, then take it to your dealer and exchange it for a remanufactured unit, which should cost around $200-$250. They will only be able to exchange it for the exact model, so you can't just trade in your cassette unit. Only problem you should run into if you buy a used one is getting the 4 digit radio code, but your dealer can get this through the serial # on the head unit. Best of luck!!

    Scott
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    We have a 1999 S70 (purchased new in June 2000). It stalled the very next day after we picked it up. The windshield has been replaced twice and on many occasions it just won't start in the morning. The headlights and the gear shift lights have been replaced twice.

    My son-in-law had a 2000 S80 T-6 which died so many times he had to turn it in and took a bath on breaking the lease.

    This is not one expects of a $30K automobile. However, my wife likes the handling and sound system but hates going to the other-side-of-town dealership to take care of these warranty fixes.

    If you like poor gas mileage and the complimentary coffee and Danish at your upscale dealership, then this is your car.
  • miahmadmiahmad Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking for a reliable car, and am considering Volvo. S70, 1998. This particular car has over 50k miles and extended warranty till 100k. Any advise on the car's reliability and dependability. Thanks. FNA
  • joel2468joel2468 Member Posts: 75
    If you go back in this forum, you'll see my comments about the 1999 S70 I owned. I liked the car, but it was way too much trouble for the money. It never ran the same day to day, always had little things that went wrong, and finally, after three times leaving me stranded, I traded it in on a Toyota. I have friends who own S70s, S60s and S80s. The S60s seem to have no problems at this point. The S80 has had its share, but seems to be subsiding. The S70s for the most part, however, are a constant pain. Anything I have said about the 1999 copy of the S70 goes double or triple for the 1998. I would avoid this car, especially wtih 50K miles. I'm not alone..Consumer Reports recommends avoiding this car also. One last thing, Volvo dealers don't want these cars...in fact, they dont seem to want any of their own cars that are more than 3-5 years old, so don't count on trading it in on a newer Volvo.
  • cdt2833cdt2833 Member Posts: 2
    For those threads asking about adding a CD to a '97 850. Volvo is currently running a special (in New England area) right now for the Volvo in dash 6-CD Changer. The price of the changer (which includes mounting kit) is $232.75 - if your Volvo dealer claims to no nothing about it - go to another Volvo dealer. We just had one installed in our '95 850Turbo, my '98 S70 base will have one on Tuesday. I think that the '97 GLT should also have the changer controls integrated into the radio, so this shouldn't be an issue.

    Volvo leaflet from parts dept pictures the glovebox with changer installed and it states "Fits models 850 / S70 / V70 / C70 1994 - 2000"

    Good luck....

    Hope this helps.
  • hyiuhyiu Member Posts: 18
    cdt2833, thank you very much for your info...
    I called my volvo service and parts department and they do have that offer. the thing is $250+ after tax (which is MUCH MUCH better than the $830+ one). I already placed an order with them... I think I'll paid them for the installation also... but overall saved a bundle !!!
    thanks again !! ;-)

    - hyiu.
  • cdt2833cdt2833 Member Posts: 2
    As an extra bit of FYI to this forum, I'd like to offer my ownership experience with my 1998 S70. From what I've read here and at the brick board, people fall into one of two camps: (1) car has few or no problems, or (2) car is a complete lemon.

    My 98 S70 5speed has been very trouble free. My only glitch was when the vinyl insert near the door pull handle (on all 4 doors) bubbled and sagged. I have not blown any bulbs at all since I took delivery of the car three years ago - a major point here is that I disabled the DRLs via the set screw next to the headlight switch before I drove it off the lot at delivery. I was in Texas at that time and the lack of DRLs let my pewter silver volvo blend in with the concrete nicely so I didn't want the lights on for smoky.

    Volvo has subsequently replaced my ignition / starter switch, and performed recall/safety campaign issues for my turn signal sockets and the addition of a grounding strap for the passenger side dash mounted air bag.

    The car has never stranded me, nor has anything broke. Its biggest problem is little squeaks coming from interior pieces during the winter but overall the car is quiet and solid while cruising down the highway at 75. The car's performance is actually quite good when you consider it is a 5 cylinder, small displacement (2.4l)168 hp engine moving around 3300lbs of car. My 5 speed certainly helps here.

    I think that Volvo quality may have lapsed a bit when they freshened the 850 to become the S70 (in 98), the S80 launch with it's multiplexed electrical system was indeed very troublesome and Volvo probably should have done more testing before releasing it into production use. As with any first year new model from domestic or foreign mfgs there will undoubtedly be glitches, and most certainly some people will get lemons no matter what - all car makers have them.

    However, with this being the 7th Volvo in our extended family, we've certainly had much more of the good than bad.

    If buying used, find which dealer delivered the car and get the service department to completely print out what service and maintenance was done to the car and then check for any Volvo recalls / campaigns which need to be done prior to delivery, and purchase the Volvo extended warranty. A Volvo is no different from any other mechanical device that ages - stuff will break sooner or later.

    cdt2833
  • chateaumaylenechateaumaylene Member Posts: 2
    I've been used car shopping and have noticed a fairly large number of S70s from the rental car fleet on dealer lots. Does anyone know if it is possible to get a service history on these cars? Anyone have a history of purchasing a car that was previously in the rental fleet? Thanks.
  • julpiejulpie Member Posts: 2
    Can anyone tell me why recordable cd's will not work in the cd player? Do i need a certain type of cd??? Thanks for the help.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    CD-RWs are written in a different format, and must be played in a CD player designed for that format. Most OEM stereos can't read CD-RWs. (Most older home systems can't, either.)
    Try a regular CD-R, and make sure you're not asking your CD player to read mp3s!
  • julpiejulpie Member Posts: 2
    thanks for the response lancerfixer, but i am using normal cd-r's. i'm actually using cds that i have had no problem playing in other cars and cd players. is there any explanation for this? thanks.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    Nope. None that I can think of...Maybe a dealer tech knows.
  • albert123albert123 Member Posts: 71
    One of the procedures of 30K-mile service is top out the battery water. The service was done two weeks ago. Now the battery is dead. The dealer told me that means there's something wrong with the battery and the only fix is replace it. They offer pro-rated warrenty for the cost of battery.

    Anyone know about this?
  • volvoscottvolvoscott Member Posts: 26
    Albert, this happens more often than you think. Fact is, volvo batteries are junk. These things go without any warning signs. I work on them for a living, and probably replace 3 or more per week. In 98 models and up, they are pro-rated after 2 years. I personally wouldn't put a volvo battery in a lawn mower. Do yourself a favor, go get an Interstate battery, they are definitely worth the money!

    Scott
  • chateaumaylenechateaumaylene Member Posts: 2
    The difference between a homemade CD-R and a commercial DC is in the way the image is applied to the disk. Commercial disks are actually printed and the "tracks" are highly reflective. Home burned ODs use a laser to "burn" away a dye layer and reflect more poorly than their commercial counterparts. Most car DC players can play most CD-Rs. Many alder car DC players (before about 1995) may not be able to play the homemade variety. If you have a ewer automobile, and the CD-R will not play, try changing to a different CD-R manufacturer. It could be that your player does not like the color of the dye used on your current CD-R.

    Since I'm currently looking at 2000 year model S70s, I'll take a homemade CD to the lot with me the next time I'm out to see if I have any problems.
  • djames42djames42 Member Posts: 2
    I've got the standard S70 in-dash CD system and have had very few problems playing CDR media (and I generally use the cheapest no-name media I can find). I only have one disc that isn't recognized, and it happens to be a higher-priced name-brand media (although I have plenty of discs from the same manufacturer that work just fine).

    I haven't bothered trying CD-RW--I just assume that's not going to be recognized at all.

    You do need to make sure that when you burn an audio CD, you do not attempt to create a multi-session CD, and that you do close the disc after writing it. Most audio CD players will not recognize anything but a single-session, closed CD.

    Good Luck!
    Dan
  • naimnaim Member Posts: 5
    In 1999, I decided to lease a s70 T5 for my dad. First week when he check the body and found rust inside the trunk. A few weeks later he complained about the wind noise from the windshield so I took to the dealership where I leased it from. They checked and repaired so many times. They even went inside the ventilation and opened up dash board complete, the car was brand new. They had completely ruin the dash board. When I complained to them and they said just replace some screw that look worn out "from volvo specialist" I couldn't believe when he said that. Oh and the wind-noise, it still there after I took the car to another dealer, the car wind-shield had replaced twice. I can't believe the kind of service that volvo trained their service technician DON' EVER BUY A VOLVO AGAIN. If you're in Tor onto, Ontario, Don't go to VOLVO VILLA, service is unbelievable bad, service manager doesn't know jack about volvo, sale manager doesn't care about customer at all. This is the last volvo I would ever buy or lease. Buy Volvo, Buy it for your enemy. The Worst Car.
  • bazibazi Member Posts: 1
    We are seriously thinking about purchasing a 2000 S70 SE. It has 18K miles and is going for about $25K. Reading the posts on this site has made me reconsider. It seems that there is preponderance of complaints about the electrical system and seals/windshield. If anyone has anyhing to alleviate my concerns please respond. Good or bad news will be equally welcome. Many thanks. Bazi
  • andy77andy77 Member Posts: 1
    I have a '96 850 with the stock steel wheels and hubcaps. Recently I replaced the tires with a Dunlop SP5000 Sport that features a "rim protector sidewall" designed to protect alloys from being curbed. Since I mounted these tires (which by the way are 205/55/15 and are great handling tires) the hubcap contacts the tire sidewall and causes the hubcap to rotate on the rim - this in turn causes the valve stem to be bent over by the hubcap. The stock 15" hubcaps measure 16 7/16" in overall diameter. A 15" Volvo hubcap that measures less than this would solve my problem. Local dealers don't seem to have many 15" hubcaps in stock and I'm looking for similar measurements of other 15" styles. If you have 15" wheels with hubcaps, I would appreciate knowing if any of these measure less than 16 7/16" and what year and model that were fitted on. Thanks. e-mail Andy: cars@one. net
  • hatemys70hatemys70 Member Posts: 2
    Let's see if I can remember all of the repairs, besides the three recalls:
    Yep, had all the door interiors pull away. Only took the dealer (Koons in Owings Mills MD) 8 months to get the right part. Yep, had the dead battery, all of the sudden in the garage. Pro-rated warranty still would have cost more than the Interstate I put in myself. Power antenna is broken, I'm sure that'll cost a fortune. Yep, also have replaced about 12-15 lightbulbs. The Check Engine light has come on 5 times, replaced oxygen sensors under warranty, the latest Check Engine light cost me $1200. It's just out of warranty, it's obvious the lastest was the result of a problem that existed in warranty (bad air pump) but Volvo Customer Service and the dealer want nothing to do with any kind of concession. Got a whopping 35,000 miles out of the first set of tires, the replacements are $150 each. Oh yeah, to the gentlemen who has the "squeak in the wintertime", means your sway bars are bad, they cost $400 to fix. I can't afford to keep this car with the repair bills. Anyone know what a good replacement would be?
  • joel2468joel2468 Member Posts: 75
    I had a 1999 Volvo S70, and as much as I liked the car (when it ran properly), it kept trying to make me get rid of it. I didn't have a problem with the squeaks/rattles, and got used to replacing the bulbs (I kept a pile of them in the garage and trunk), but it left me dead 3 times, two tows required, and no problem ever found...just would not start. And, I babied the car. I would say to you that there is little else non-european that drives, brakes and handles like a good euro car, but I came to the conclusion that a reliable, dependable car that always runs the same, handles the same and ALWAYS STARTS is a reasonable tradeoff. December 2000 I traded the S70 away for a Toyota Avalon. Yes, I looked at many other options, including Infiniti, Maxima, Acura, Lexus and found them to be good cars, but in some cases not worth the money, in others (the Acura) I found the interior to be too confining. The Infiniti I30 is a good deal for the money, but only one dealer in the area, not near where I live. No, the Avalon seats are not as comfortable as the Volvo seats (I don't think anything is) and although the brakes are very good, they're not as good as a Volvo, BMW, Audi. But it is quiet, safe and reliable, and gets great gas mileage (mixed town and highway 23+ and highway 29-30). I have 7500 miles on the Avalon, and have been to the dealer once for an oil change and tire rotation. When I bought the Volvo (1999) it had 5000 miles on it...at 7500 miles I'd been to the dealer 6 times (and I know this for a fact, because I just threw out all of the service records) for dead battery, blown bulbs, rattle in the sunroof, unbalanced tires, squealing brakes, exhaust smell in the car, bad wiper blades, and the list goes on.... I would look at Volvo again, but only if their reliability over the long haul improves dramatically. That should be about 30 years from now.
  • mulletardmulletard Member Posts: 1
    I got a 99 s70 T5 as my graduation present about a year and a month ago. Since then, I have taken the mileage from 9000 miles to 35000. I will agree with somethings. I have had the trouble with the lights repeatidly and some interrior problems with the lining around the windows. I am also ticked that volvo CD players don't like blue backed CDs very much. But, I must say I have not had extremly serious problems with any mechnical features of my car. I drive the hell out of this car too and often break many speeding laws around Atlanta as well as abusing the turbocharger more than I should. Once my car makes 50000 miles if I have tremendous problems as many of you have had, I am going straight to the Audi or BMW dealer and getting a new car. As of now I really enjoy my car and have gotten a lot of driving pleasure out of it.
  • volvowomanvolvowoman Member Posts: 1
    We own a 2001 V70 wagon and are very happy with it (bought it per-certified with 11,000 miles on it) ... am thinking about now trading in our 1998 WV Cabrio (5 speed with 22,000 miles) for a 2000 S70 (perhaps a GLT) ... can anyone comment on reliability of S70? We're relatively "new" to the Volvo culture ~ is their "precertification" program reliable/honest? What does the GLT have that a "plain" S70 doesn't have ... prefer the styling of the 2000 (more "squared") than the 2001 sedans ... looks like too many Ford engineers got their way! Any comments ~ either pro or con would be welcomed!
  • jigglesjiggles Member Posts: 1
    Yes, I was very excited about my 2000 S70 SE with 19K still under warranty for another 30K UNTIL I read all these messages. Anyone who has had this model and year for some time please advise on any electrical/interior issues with your vehicle. It sounds like the majority of the issues I read about are '98, '99 and turbot related but of course the 2000 has not been out there as long. Any info good or bad is welcomed because I am suppose to sign papers and take possession in two days! This is my last chance. Send your messages soon!!
  • DelreybirdDelreybird Member Posts: 14
    I have also experienced some problems with my 2000 Volvo S70 SE GLT, which I bought in early May with 12,100 miles on it:

    The turn-signal switch failed.
    The "antenna ring" in the steering column (receives the signal from the silicon chip in the ignition key) failed, making starting problematic.
    The SRS (air bag) sensor switch failed, making air bag deployment in a crash highly unlikely.

    All these items have been fixed under warranty. Otherwise, the car is great. It has lots of power, gets excellent mileage and is very comfortable. This is my third Volvo. The first was an '83 240 wagon which I bought new at the end of '82 and drove for over 15 years and more than 285,000 miles. The second was a '97 850 sedan which I bought in Jan. 98 with 12,500 miles on it (it was previously in a rental fleet). We now have over 67,000 miles on it and it has been virtually trouble free. I'm hoping the new S70 will turn out to be an equally good purchase.
  • gcamcgcamc Member Posts: 1
    I have to admit, I have been happy with my Volvo. Now about 1 year old, no burnt out bulbs or any other problems. The only issue is that from time to time when I step on the brake pedel I feel it clicking and pulsating. In fact if you listen you can hear it click. There is no pattern to when this happens. At times I can go a week and have it happen under light breaking and also under heavy breaking. It has happend since the car was new. I told the dealer and they took it for a "test Ride" and did not encounter any problems. That I expected. Has anyone experienced this. The dealer is claiming ignorance and said he has not heard of the problem. I think he is full of it. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on how to pursue this problem.

    Greg
  • volvoscottvolvoscott Member Posts: 26
    Greg,

    This is normal operation of the electronic brake distribution system (EBD). It does self tests at random times. If there was something wrong in it, it would trigger the ABS light. Good luck with your S70.

    Scott
  • fljintfljint Member Posts: 1
    i am close to purchasing this car with about 5700 miles on it and trading in my 1996 850 non turbo sedan with 69,000 miles on it . No problems with the 850 ,just want to upgrade to the turbo,sunroof,new body style,window controls on the door!!,etc. Am i silly to do this????
    please respond
  • DelreybirdDelreybird Member Posts: 14
    Hi "fljint",

    As you may know, 69,000 miles on a Volvo is next to nothing. At least, that's my experience, based on the manual transmission '83 Volvo 240 wagon that I bought new in late 1982 and drove for over 15 years and more than 285,000 miles. It was still going strong when I "traded" it in for a a slightly used '97 850 sedan (12,500 miles), of the non-turbo variety. I was living in Los Angeles at the time, and constant shifting in freeway traffic was getting wearing on my nerves. I have put close to 69,000 on the 850, with no problems to speak of, and expect to "drive it into the ground" (with oil changes every 3K miles and all scheduled maintenance). You should think long and hard about whether it's smart to trade a car with plenty of useful life left in it for another vehicle because you like its bells and whistles.

    However, I should tell you that in May I bought a slightly used (12,100 miles) 2000 S70 GLT SE, and it is a sweet car. (We got it because my wife was driving a '95 Cavalier with 167,000 miles on it, and we decided to get out of it while the getting was still good. She drives the 850 now.) I have put about 6,700 miles on the S70 and had a few problems with it: turn signal switch failed; steering column antenna ring (for the encrypted ignition keys) failed, making starting somewhat problematic; crash-sensor switch failed, making airbag deployment unlikely. All items were repaired under warranty, but it was a little annoying to have to keep going back to the dealer. I wouldn't buy this car just for its leather seats (first I've ever had, and very comfortable), its sunroof, door-mounted window controls, or style. HOWEVER, the light turbo is great, and the gas mileage is better than the non-turbo 850. Assuming my car doesn't develop all the problems other people in this discussion group have reported, I'll be very happy with it for a long time. All the same, I was happy driving the 850, and if we hadn't decided to unload my wife's Cavalier, I wouldn't have the 850 for the S70.

    I hope this helps you, although it probably won't.
  • dparesdpares Member Posts: 29
    I own a 2000 S70 SE.. bought it new.. black with graphite leather interior.. has most of the options..

    list of the problems.. (BTW (you can check back on here as I've recounted these before)
    1) Turn signal indicator failed.. repaired under a recall.
    2) Car failed to start.. nothing in the car worked..was totally dead.. finally got it started by jumping it.. drove it 30 miles to the dealer.. left it there.. they never found out why it wouldnt start.. I refused to take it back until they did.. they kept if for a week..never found it.. hasn't happened again but you never know!!!
    3) Trunk opens when it wants to..usually when I'm driving .. they put "o" rings in the remote trunk opener but that hasn't cured it
    4) Alarm wouldnt work for a week..then it did.. no problems since then!
    5) very strange grinding noise (or steady vibration) coming from under the car.. sometimes it sounds as if a grinder is in the trunk.. can be real loud one minute and almost inaudiible the next.. have driven it to the dealer grinding real loud and when they get in it you cant hear it.. VERY FRUSTRATING!.. they have kept my car for 2 weeks driving it home every day and needless to say haven't found it and rarely hear it... seems to be more of a cold /rainy weather thing.. most annoying thing about the car!

    On the positive side..we were rear ended when the car was brand new.. sitting at a light some one ran into us.. didnt even attempt to put on the breaks..stepped on the gas instead of the break and hit us again!..surprisingly..only the bumper was damaged..(it seemed at first, the body did give some).. knocked out some front grill pieces also.. we walked away without even a sore muscle! (cost over 3,000 to fix the car!!!!)

    and..BASED on that accident..i'd buy another in a heart beat! ..the car has smooth power..comfy seats.. nice quality about it, a very solid car...... but next time i'd get the turbo..
    Hope this helps some!
  • lowflyerlowflyer Member Posts: 5
    Any comments on the wood trim kits available for the base S70? Besides Volvo's OEM wood shift knob for automatic, does anyone else sell wood shift knobs that don't require me to trade in some of my T Bills?
    Thanks
  • lweisslweiss Member Posts: 342
    I have a 98 Volvo S-70 base model. A few questions:

    a) I have about 35,000 miles on the original tires- how long should they last- can I expect 50,000 miles on them

    b) My dealer suggests that I spend about $500 to get the 30,000 mile tune up. This seems somewhat high- should I just get a tune up, or let it go for a while. The car runs great- no problems really.

    c) My S-70 is the standard model- no turbo, light city driving. Do I need to use Premium fuel in it or will Regular grade be OK- what about the mid-Grade?

    This is the first Volvo that I have owned.
  • DelreybirdDelreybird Member Posts: 14
    Advice for Lweiss:

    I'm on my third Volvo. I have always done the regularly scheduled maintenance, plus changed the oil religiously every 3,000 miles, and my cars have never let me down. The maintenance interval for the S70 is 7,500 miles. A 30K-mile maintenance is probably more than just a light tune-up. I think this is something you should accept as something you need to do to keep your car in good running condition, and budget for it. I've mostly stuck with dealers, although when we were living in L.A., I found a really good, and cheaper, independent mechanic (a Swede who only worked on Volvos and Saabs) for my '83 240, and subsequently, my '97 850. Check around, maybe there's somebody like that in your neck of the woods. Good luck.
  • lookingatlga1lookingatlga1 Member Posts: 1
    I'm considering purchasing a 2000 S70 and finding it difficult to get any infomation of the differences btw GLT, STD, etc. Not looking for lots of power but best gas milage, decent acceleration and all ammenities. Which model would be best?
  • jay44jay44 Member Posts: 7
    I also own a 98 S70 T5. I just replaced my original tires with 48K miles on the car. I also had the 30K mile tune-up, again at 48K. I believe it is a good idea but not an urgency. You may want to wait a while.
    I had the front discs replaced at 48K and they needed it. I would suggest you check yours if you have not replaced them.
    I use a mid-grade fuel and was told by the Volvo mechanic that it would work fine. So far it has. Hope this helps.
  • askewdraskewdr Member Posts: 1
    I bought a Certified 2000 S70 SE and would love to replace the "wood" trim at a cheaper cost than what the dealer is charging. Any ideas? By the way, as I was walking the Volvo lot I noticed some SE's with the "wood" melted. I think I will break down and buy one of those windshield shades.
  • dave229dave229 Member Posts: 1
    I am in the market for a pre-owned S70. A dealer presented me with a 1998 Volvo S70 A. Can anyone help me understand what the "A" is for? Thanks.
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    automatic

    they don't always use those extra letters, but you'll see it sometimes. I'm also currently shopping for a '98 (specifically, a T5A, although I'd like to get a T5SEA [T5 special edition automatic] ;)).

    '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

  • boxer6boxer6 Member Posts: 20
    I think it stands for a**h**e because that's what I feel like. I own a 98 s70 that is currently in the shop, most likely for a new tranny. It bangs hard when going from drive or neutral to reverse. It has 28K MILES ON IT. This is the latest. Here's what I've gone through so far:

    New Tires, Two sets of break pads on the front wheels. One set of rotors on the front wheels. Was told they last about 30K. I also just went for the rear pads. These (breaks and rotors)are wear items and not warranted. I lost count on the bulbs, just had the recall work done. I smell a rotten egg smell from the converter but I get the old, "we could not duplicate the problem. I had to get the rear speakers replaced - defective. The internal door panels were bubbling. They had to be replaced. Lastly, the door locks malfunctioned and had to be replaced.The front stabilizer bar was replaced twice (separate occaisons) to eliminate a knocking sound going over bumbs. The stops had to be lubed twice (separate occaisons) to eliminate the sound of my tires rubbing on the wheel wells.

    Other than that it's a wonderful car. I think I'll buy a Hugo next so I can reduce my time spent at the mechanic.

    I do not beat up my cars. I service them when needed and drive at nomal speeds. Yes, the car is under warranty but I have gone through one oil change where I did not need to do other maintenance.

    In closing, this is my third Volvo. I'm outta here but how do I sell a car with a new tranny without spooking potential buyers
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