Today I finally test drove a 1998 S70 GLT & 1997 T-5. They are both around 109K miles, one owner cars, both for $9000. May seem high but are being sold by a reliable Seattle dealership.

I put a $500 deposit on the GLT pending inspection. The T-5 was REALLY fast, maybe too fast. I haven't had a ticket in 29 years but could see one coming with that car!

As I mentioned I plan to have the car inspected, one question, what is the deal with the transmission switch just forward of the shifter? Marked pnp or something? It didn't appear to do anything.

The creature comforts on the GLT seemed just a little nicer, and the salesman told me the GLT uses a standard tire as apposed to a low profile tire. He also mentioned a smoother ride & more sound insulation. I did notice something vibrating/rattling on the T-5 when I punched it.

Anything in particular I should have checked out?

They both drove nicely, T-5 seemed to have better braking power and definitely more guts when you put your foot down.

I put $ on the GLT more based on style (S70 vs. 850), color (teal vs. light blue) and thinking the GLT may be a more practical family car.

Thanks for any advice. I know the price seems high, but it is a one owner car, dealer serviced for its life which means a lot to me.

Thanks

Mike
--
1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed

Your NEW GLT will do just nicely, and, contrary to popular 240 myth, you will get very good gas milage. I just drove 2 long trips, a 1600 and a 2500 mile interstate runs... average on the eastern trip was 27mpg and only 26mpg on the longer western trip. Of course, the eastern trip average speed was less at 68mph while the western trip was at 76mph (legal speed 65 east and 75 in Nebraska and Colorado). That was in my V70R.
My old 1988 245 would have a hard time getting that kind of milage at those speeds. :)

Klaus

Two days ago I bought the S70 GLT.

As I mentioned the dealer asked a premium, $9000 with 109K miles.

However, it had a single owner and checked out fine. It does have a cracked serpentine belt so I had them give me a new belt.

Also they surprised me by handing over the service records (without PO personal info).

So I have a well maintained single owner car, nice.

I am fairly sure I won't get the 25 to 26 mpg my 240 delivered, which I will miss. But the spead, comfort, and working AC, and sunroof are nice!

Mike

The small switch is in case your pnp solonoid switch doesn't allow you to shift from park in. The microswitch does go out and this is a manual means of getting out of park.

Differences from our family cars between the two are primarily in when the turbo comes on. The GLT comes on sooner and runs out of wind sooner. The T5 as I have, spools up more slowly, but lookout when it does, it screams. My T5 gets 27-29 mpg at highway speeds consistently while the GLT seems to get a couple miles less per gallon. I notice no difference in ride, of course we have HD Bilsteins and IPD sway bars on both.

Don't think you will go wrong with either except they sure of proud of those cars at such prices. Here in TX prices would be more in the $6K range.

Have fun,

dick

Thanks for the insight.

I would love the T-5, but the styling (1997 850) is not as nice at the GLT (98 S70).

The other difference is that I'm told the S70 has been serviced at the dealership by the one owner. The T-5 is also one owner but uncertain service history.

Thanks

Mike
--
1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed

I would have made the same choice that you did. The GLT is a year newer (and is a nicely equipped car in its own right), has a full history, and there is no risk (however slight) of the turbo needing repair.

More speed is a wonderful thing, but in the real world, the n/a engine performs well if you stand on it (the car should do close to 130 mph if you want it too), and will maintain very high cruising speeds without discernible effort.

Enjoy!