Today I spotted a 99 V70 GLT on a local dealer's lot. Mint condition in and out. Supposedly has 125k on it. Dealership was closed so I haven't driven it yet. I'm aware of the ETM problems with that year. Anything else I should be seriously concerned about other than the usual 850/V70 problem areas? Any 1999 model year specific issues?

Dealership is asking $2900. Any thoughts about a fair price for the car here in New England?

This car must have been really nice as it sold in 2 days before I even had a chance to drive it!

Moral of the story: If you find a nice Volvo, don't waste time, buy it...:) I've missed other nice Volvo's by waiting too long to move on them.

I should have been more specific. This is a local used car dealer that supposedly has a good reputation. Not a Volvo dealer. Asking price is $2995.

I took a very quick look, saw no paint overspray and no motor or tranny leaks underneath. That's a good sign...:)

If everything is a as good as it looks upon first inspection and she drives well, I'm sure I'll post back with more questions.

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Any other comments?

That's a low price for a dealer, so beware. The major differences between the 850/70 and the 1999 are:
ETM, must have a yellow tag. Updated ETMs from Xemodex.com are $400 and last forever.
Coil over spark plugs.
Variable Valve Timing.

Trouble spots other than the ETM include a dirty tranny, AC leakage, windshield seal, and any 850 type problems.

Ask the dealer if there is any maintenance history, if the car was serviced there you can get a list of what was done.

Check the ventilation system if it has ECC. No blinking lights are allowed on the AC/recirc switch at start up.

Have the dealer perform a computer check of all parts of the car, engine, tranny, ABS, SRS, seats, ECC, CC, with a printout. He should also do a pre-sale inspection (normal cost to us mortals is $100).

Then ask for a 30 day maintenance policy, minimum.

If all checks out and you like the car, the tires all match, and the brakes work good (including parking brake), the seats are not gone, offer him $2600 and see what he says!

--
Klausc, a Volvoholic

A/C evaporator can be a problem. Parts are reasonable, but labor is like 4 or 5 hours. Except for that, my '99 base V70 has been pretty much trouble free after the dealer upgraded the ETM. If you get it, flush or change the trans fluid.