1999s have a 105,000 mile timing belt change interval BUT the tensioner is a mechanical one, requires a special tool, and MUST be changed with the belt.

The '94-'98 cars have a hydraulic tensioner and a 70,000 mile belt interval. The belt is the same PN, the difference is just the tensioner.

Yes, yes, it is an interference motor!

The inside cover of the "A" pillars is a piece of plastic, not cloth -- maybe it's loose it's a "snap fit" -- even if it 's broken it's only a few bucks from the dealer.

Avoid the AWDs!!!!!

The '99s are also drive-by-wire and have electonic throttles with problems which Volvo extended the warranty to 200,000 miles/10 years.

Besides the ETM issue there are the usual Volvo AC issues, suspension issues, brake issues, etc. etc. Still, sub 100,000 mile Volvos for $4000 or less are getting rarer and rarer. As long is it's been reasonably maintained -- oil changes-- it might be worth looking at.

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed, 173k mi, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension, Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck tape, zip-ties, two '06 Honda license plate nut impressions in back bumper (gift from daughter), Mobil-1 since new.

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." - Douglas Noel Adams (1952 - 2001)

This is a common question, and you can see many opinions in the archives. In my opinion:

1. If the condition is really clean, consider it. If neglected, NO.
2. If 2-wheel drive, YES. If AWD, it's a high-cost car unless you absolutely have to have AWD for skiing trips or something like that. In that case, a Subaru would be a better choice.
3. At his age, if you buy it, you better plan on comprehensive maintenance such as having all the fluids changed. Definitely change the transmission fluid, regardless of the BS you might hear about lifetime oil.
4. Maintenance: it's a bit tight in the engine compartment but not as bad as many recent cars I have seen.
5. The 5-cyl engine is a robust design.

My wife's 1999 V70 has been very dependable, and the only trouble we have is the delaminating door panels. Volvo NA has been stinky about that issue, as they were about the ETM failures. Very poor from a company that advertises the safety and durability of their cars. Our car has the 5-sp. manual transmission, so no trans. problems. Good luck.