Hello,

I am seriously considering buying another Volvo. (I am currently a happy owner of '98 S90) I came across a red '98 C70 coupe with 16K. Looks like this car is loaded. It even has 12 speaker Dolby Prologic Sound system installed. The only thing I forgot to ask the current owner is whether it has traction control. I know they were optional in 1998. I am planning to go to look at the car later this week.

Since I have never owned a FWD Volvo before, I would like to hear opinions on this car. Is it easy to maintain? Any week points? Reliability of Turbo? Notes on performace, safety? What areas should I pay special attention to when I go to inspect the car? Any related information would be greatly appreciated.

Raphael

Raphel,

I own a late model (build 10/98) 98 C70HPT 5speed, 26,200 miles, all available options. Only problem was the front turn signal sockets (replaced under warranty) and Volvo replaced the Original Dolby Pro Logic unit model 900 with a newer version model 901 which gives you Pro Logic on FM stations if you like (week signals produce poor performance in this mode). I have not had any other problems.

Modifications: Strut tower brace, 50 watt halogin back-up bulbs (IPD), Volvo High performance CAT back exhaust and K&N filter.

rocco

you should be getting a recall notice about the turn signals very soon

fred

Any week points?

The worst part of that car for a second hand owner is the design of the window regulators as they're cable driven and costly if they ever break (which I think is very likely in time by its poor design).

Once one breaks, getting the new one re-aligned without wind leaks is no easy thing, time consuming so the labor will also be costly.

I've not yet seen one break out of warranty yet but each one repaired while under warranty was a bummer.

Hi,

I am the proud owner of a 98 C70HPT, and I am very happy with it. So far I have been lucky in that the only things that I have had to replace have all been under warranty. The following is a list of things replaced under warranty:

1) 2 sets of front and rear rotors and pads

2) Turbo seal

3) Front turn signal indicators, bulbs and sockets

4) Tires

5) Front motor mount

6) Trunk latch

7) Plastic coolant tank

8) Climate control nobs

Current Mileage : 42,500.

Be advised that this is not a cheap car to maintain. It is like owning any other high performance import, (Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz). The car will tell you when it needs oil changes and maintenance. But, oil changes and tune-ups at the dealer can be very costly. If you are a car nut, and you have the time do the maintenance yourself. You can save a lot of money. Parts are easy to come by. There are many people that have volvos and stock the parts.

As for safety, I have the unfortunate experience of being involved in a collision with my C70. I was hit from the side and due to the design and structure of the car I was able to walk away with nothing more then a stiff neck. This car is like most other volvos in that it is built like a tank. It is a very strong and strudy car that is designed to absorb the impact. The flaw in this is that the car is extremely expensive to repair if you do not have insurance.

On a final note, if you have the money, go to the dealer where the car was purchased or any volvo dealer and inquire into the extended VIP warranty. It may cost you a little bit of money, but in the long run it may save your wallet from the cost of a transmission.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Thanks for your notes!

Both replies mention about problems with turn signal indicators. Sounds like a design problem for me. I will have to check it more carefully.

I thought that rotors and pads are not covered by the warranty. Am I wrong?

Also, could you be more specific about (2)Turbo seal, (5) Front motor mount, and (7) Coolant tank. Were they leaking, loose?

If I decide to go for it, the warranty will still be in effect for another 1.5 years. But I just want to be aware of common faiulures so that I can keep my eye on it. Thanks again,

Raphael

Rotors and pads are covered under warranty if the rotors warp out. They are not covered under normal wear and tear. Volvo is aware of the problems but is not willing to do anything about it since it may jeopardize the stopping capability and safety of the passengers. Therefore, owners need to live with it or replace and upgrade the rotors and pads to performance rotors and pads.

As for the turn signals, there was a design flaw in it, and they recalled the parts. This problem should be solved if you ever take the car into the dealer for any service.

As for the problems that I had and the parts that were replaced under warranty, here goes:

2) Turbo Seal: The oil return line that returns the oil to the pan from the turbo was leaking. Apparently there is a small rubber seal that if freezes it cracks and needs to be replaced. Standard repair item. Common replacement on C70 and S70's.

5) Front motor mount: There was another recall on these. This was replaced without me even knowing. The rubber on the mounts prematurely wore out. The mount was replaced with a rubber and plastic mount.(New design)

7) Coolant Tank: The tank was leaking, due to weak plastic. It was also replaced.

There is an ongoing (as we type) recall to fix (finally!) the

turn signals. I've had my left one fail twice in 4 years in

my 98 -- not a major problem, though (but looking forward to

the recall fixes).

I own a 1998 C70HPT coupe and I absolutely love my car. I just hit 30,000 miles on it..here is a list of problems I have had with my car..but since it's under the original manuf.'s warranty...I did not have to pay from my pocket.

1. Front blinkers always burn out..so replaced it with Ipd's bulbs.

2. 3 disc C.D. changer got stuck..dealer replaced whole new radio system.

3. Moonroof was rattling..dealer replaced whole moonroof.

That's about it from me...love the 12 speaker system..but the C.D. is a bad design..the car is really fun to drive...I think it is totally worth it. I just purchased a Supersprint Sport Exhaust system for my car...take a look at it...go to www.volvospy.com click on "Photo Album". Please email me if I can be of further assistance at raffi940@hotmail.com.

As far as the trac. control..you are right...it's an option and the TRAC switch is located on the right side of the steering wheel...next to the moonroof button. Good Luck!

I own a 1998 C70(M)HPT coupe with 45,000 miles on it now

The 98’s are a completely different animal than newer C70's

often times each car had it’s own set of minor issues within a verity of different areas

however most of those issues were fixed or are covered by the warrantee

The main difference between the 98 is that it’s a analog based car whereas the

newer cars are digital there have been several statements saying that 98 era

C70 had more power and better performance than any other year.

Also I’ve have never seen a 98 era C70 in the United States that wasn’t “Fully loaded”

When I ordered mine I ordered it without Traction control, and yet it still came with it as a standard option.

Any way 98 is still new enough that you shouldn’t have any problems with it’s maintenance etc.

The only strange thing that I’ve was to add a Volvo Strut brace and a K&N Air filter.

Hi,

Chris and several others have contributed to this list of model year differences. Doubtless there a is much more that can be addded. Contributions welcome to abdj@rmi.net..

Here it is, for enterainment value only, disclaimer disclaimer, blah blah...

--------------------------------------------------------------

DRAFT C70 model year differences. This is a mix of opinions, much of whch can not be substaniated (disclaimed enough?). Thanks Chris, Jeff, Charles for conributions to date.

Rev. 0.05 Feb 03 01

Carl Johnson

Introduction

The C70 was supposed to be available in late 96 early 97 prior to the release of the Saint movie, with adds published and commercials aired. It was intended to be built only 3 years. The first models were called ‘Prestige’ . There is a C70 Prestige spiral bound book describing C70. (Exact contents not known, but Jeff has a copy.) T

Problems/Recalls

1. Early 98’s had airbags with missing ground straps.

2. Early 98’s headlight switch was faulty.

3. 98 ECM's had some bad programming in them that required a flash update.

This fixed the RPMS randomly dropping, or the car stuttering.

4. Rear quarter panel window seal.

4. Blinker recal 9details anyone?)

MODEL YEAR CHANGES

1998 (interior)

1999 (interior)

1. Glove box door latch changes from chrome finish to black.

2. The rear ccild seat hooks on the hat shelf introduced.

3. The little rubber front door panel pocket matt's were included.

4. The passenger side gains the lower tray underneath the glove box.

5. SIPSII inroduced (?)

6. Homelink made standard option (?)

2001 (interior)

1. Woodinlays around shifter replaced with simulated wood.

Interior options:

1. Wood inlaid steering wheels available as option (my dealer did not know of it in 2000)

Exterior and body changes

1. Rear side windows differ after 1998.There has been a retro fit campain going on by Volvo for the 1998 C70s related to the rear side windows. The work entails converting from the hinge setup to a 3 bolt setup. The change was to correct a problem with water leaks that develop around the original hinge bolt that goes through the glass. In heavy rain or through a car wash water ran into the car from around the hinge bolt. The change was not related to windows popping out or anything else like that. (Charles)

When my "98" C70's Rear windows were replaced, the seal and window were replaced, with a different type of seal and a larger rear window the “fix” the leaking problem that didn’t exist. Once replaced, the left rear quarter window, started to leak. That leak was fixed by a tech disassembling that window again and cleaning the seal & resetting the window. The latches were never replaced the hinge is part of the window. (Chris)

2. Side blinker lights replace Volvo emblem in ?1999.

3. Rumored increase in body stiffness in 1999.

4. Color selections change.

1998 (early) Black, Casis (purple), Safron (Orange), Coral red.

1998 (Mid) Black, Casis, Safron, Red (not Coral), Silver, White

1999?

2000 Black, Casis, Safron, Red (not Coral), Silver, White, Venitian red pearl.

2001?

5. Grill emblem changed from Black & Silver to Blue & Silver.

Wiring/Electrical

1. Wiring moves to multiplexed system decreasing wire harnes complexity and weight. (True on V/S series, also on C?). There are two wires twisted together , one for power and the other for signal. Each item on this bus has a unique id and can be communicated to.

Engine/Transmission/Brake

1. Engine management system changed from Bosch Motronic 4.4 to Bosch ME7 in 1999. Prevailing view is emissions are cleaner, but performance loss occurred too. The ME7 throttle is “drive by wire’” replacing throttle cable. Volvo uses VADIS system to download software.

2. Engine intake manifold takes new shape that is tuned for lower rev higher torque.

3. Engines cam has lesser duration to increase low end torque, decreases high end. Also variable valve timing only on exhaus, only used when cold for emmisions. When torque curves for 98 and 99 are compared, after 5100 RPM the 99 drops off rapidly whereas the 98 stays relatively flat.

4. Engine is distributerless.

5. Engine top mount changed from steel with cutouts to cast aluminum in 1999 (cheaper)?

6. TRACS from 1998 changes to Stabiliy Control (STC) in 1999+. STC works at all speeds limiting throttle and braking in 15 milliseconds, whereas TRACS works at about 30mh and less using braking.

7. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) was added in 1999, splitting rear/front braking opimally. It uses one magnetic mechanical pulse wheel with 48 teeth at each wheel.

8. in 1999 doors automatically unlock if front airbag deploys.

9. Low pressure turbo was not available until 1999.

10. Prem-Air radiators added in 99 (true?) (all new replacement radiators and New Volvos have the Prem-Air coating)

Production numbers and availability:

1997 per Volvo press releases, 900. Some cars were crushed (what is source?). It was reported through March 97 there were about 150 built in test run, of which 50 were sent to USA by air for dealer and journalist impressions.

1998 9,200 per press release of Volvo.

1999 35,001 claimed per articals on web.

2000

2001

Options:

1. Premium leather. It is thicker, softer. Door panels have stiched leather along armrest area to emphasize the use of leather in the inserts.

2. 1998 18” BBS wheels offered

3. Most 98’s only had choice of color, transmission (5 speed manual or 4 speed auto), and wheels.

4. Five speed automatic available ?1999?

5. Two tone leather available, but not in brouchures ( see below European section)

4. 2001 to offer an SE edition.

European options/differences

1. Europeans offered two tone leather. Italian brocure shows Cener panels of seats and center door panel in first color, sourrounding leather in second color in these combinations:

Brown/black (Antracite/Marrone)

Black suede/Black (Antracite/Antracite)

Blue/Black (Blu/antracite)

White/black (grigio cihiaro/anracite)

Gray/Gray (grigio chiaro/grigio/chiaro)

2. At least 3 levels of C70: base, GLT, T5\

3. Self leveling rear offered.

4. Convex side mirrors available in Europe.

Tech View of C70 (opinion)

Volvo Techs are rumored to dislike working on C70's, because of either inconsistencies of being hand built, or the differences between other Volvo models. And then, finally also because when there is something wrong, its usually time consuming and difficult to fix.

Notes:

So again many of the changes between newer C70’s and older C70’s was to allow Volvo to maintain a consistency with the regular 70 series, Also Remember that the earlier C70s were being build “By hand” at the TWR owned and controlled factory, After the Strike in 2000 Volvo cars took greater control and started to standardize the production…

Marketing and market Positioning of C70

For those of you who have been around for a few years, you’ll remember the C70 was marketed and intended to be a limited production Touring Coupe, for empty nesters who wanted to make a Statement. Reference the original sales education pamphlets (not the sales brochure) and Look Up any of the older Rolling or SEES magazine along the URL for the C70 Factory (Note:URL now points to volvocars after buyout. Was www.autonova.se.