After driving my 88 240 DL for a few thousand miles by now (purchased in Sept) I traded my much beloved 2002 Ford focus hatch with 96K for a 98 S70 GLT with 150K. I know, crazy, huh? Traded straight across, $25 title transfer. Still have the DL wagon, too.

So I love this S70 so far. Wanting to know, the service light comes on briefly but goes off after the engine warms. Anything to worry over?

The car has no service record but appears to have been well kept. What should I look for? I mean, I've already bought the thing.

Also, it came with only one key. Did this rig ever have keyless entry? Can I get a second key just anywhere or do I have to go to a dealer?

It's straight, smooth, strong. Very nice power. No growling, banging, I just think who owned it wanted a VW (it came from a VW dealer in Seattle area).... I still like my DL wagon but missed the electric windows, door locks, and sun roof that my Focus had....

Any helpful comments very appreciated

karuna

The service light for 1998 is a dealer only turn off, triggered by miles driven, and is supposed to make you go to the dealer for an oil change. Either ignore the 2 minute light, put a small piece of black tape over it, or remove the bulb.

Go to the dealer parts dept and ask to have a spare key made. It should cost less than $20. The 1998 does not have a security chip imbedded. A remote is a different story, do not buy one from Ebay. The remote must be dealer programmed and they charge an arm and a leg. The key still does everything a remote does and you don't have a large bulge in your pants pocket.

As for maintenance, check the passenger side computer cover. There should be a timing belt replacement sticker which has the miles and date when the Tbelt was replaced. The interval is 70K miles, and not to be exceded. This is an interference engine! If the belt breaks, you will bend valves. If there is no sticker, replace the belt and the tensioner rollers ASAP.

These engines like synthetic motor oil and expect to change synthetic every 5-7K miles. The automatic tranny uses dec/merc ATF. It probably needs to be flushed - do this every 50K miles.

Klaus
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My advice is free, so you got what you paid for...

Thank you, Klaus. I had thought as much about the service light. Will ignore and do my own oil change. It goes off in about 3 blocks.

No keyless entry. Sigh.

Well noted as to the synthetic oil and the grade of tranny fluid. My Focus used synthetic as well.

My only "problem" now is which one do I drive today?

thanks again