My 1998 V70 GLT was built in April '97 in Halifax, Canada. A recent poster (from Sweden) stated he has a 1997 V70. I have not had any of the major problems posted on this board.

This board has been a great place to learn, and get heads-up on common maintenance items and techniques peculiar to the car. Keep in mind people who don't have problems don't post. As you learn what issues are known, just keep an eye open for them, and take special care in that area. There are also guys on the board who "drive 'em like they hate 'em". In doing so they discover the limits of the car, which informs all of us.

Good luck and enjoy!
- Tom E
--
98 V70 GLT black 54k

I have a 1/97 build date on my 98 S70 T5M. Purchased in
April of 97. There are laws about when you can start selling
a model year. Apparently, April of the year befoee is OK
(I don't know exactly when you can sell a model year but the
lead time is pretty close to one year).

I purchased when they had just hit the dealers in volume.

If it is any consolation, my 98 has had fewer problems then
other people have reported here. My theory: When starting
the assembly line up they run it slow and take care to really
monitor for problems. Others will say the opposite is true and
avoid an early build. Who knows (well, Volvo does).
Of course, I've still had problems but I'd say about the same
as our 95 855 (which has also been, overall, a very good car).

MnTom,

I think the 70 series was introduced in Europe as a '97. It was introduced in North America as a '98 spring special.

The lines have to ramp-up for production. US models traditionally come out in October as next year's model. Volvo just made their intro date early.

I would be interested to know when the first S/V 70 came off the line.

Bryan