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I am now looking at a private-party 1999 Volvo S70 GLT, with almost 67,000 miles. It is a local one-owner car, owned by an acquaintance. They are asking $10,000 for it.
I have not seen it or driven it yet, but before I do, I want to ask if there are any known problems with this year/model. I have read about the following possible problems and want to know what to check for in the service records.
1. Timing belt. I have read everything from 60,000 to 105,000 miles to change it. Should the timing belt have been changed already on this car?
2. Chronic electrical problems, i.e. overly sensitive warning lights. Check engine light coming on all the time with no apparent cause. Can be linked to not screwing on the gas cap tightly?
3. Since this is a light-pressure turbo, will it have to use premium gas? What is the minimum octane?
4. Paint and windshield chip problems.
5. Headlight and other bulb problems - have to replaced about every four months. Is this a problem with DRL?
6. Throttle body problems.
7. Turning signal socket problem.
8. Driver's side door hinge problem.
9. Is the blind spot mainly with the rear window, backing up (C pillar), or with the side vision as well (high headrests)? Does this year/model have larger side- and rear-view mirrors than past models?
10. Is the battery in the trunk of this car?
11. Problems with power steering pump.
12. What are the appropriate service intervals for oil change, transmission fluid flush, major tune up? Does this car use an expensive oil filter that must be replaced with each oil change?
Thanks so much for any information.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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I have a 2000 GLT with the light pressure turbo and use midgrade gas (Octane 89) and have not had any problems.
If you can, see if the 30k and 60k service was done.
IMHO Volvo batteries are junk, they are under the hood, not in trunk. If it has the original one, plan on a new one soon.
I bought mine new and currently have 61,000 miles on it and am very happy with it. That 5 cylinder light pressure turbo engine has been around along time and I think they have very good reliability. I've had very little problems, an antenna ring replaced, and the headlight wires replaced, both under warranty. No other problems beside wear and tear like brake pads, etc.
The oil filter is paper like and is recycled. I change with non synthetic oil at the dealer for 29.95 every 3k miles. You can buy them ebay, dealer and other sites if your a do it yourselfer.
You have found a great board here, I've learned alot and have gotten good tips, etc. Bay 13 is great too.
My concern about future expenses is the a/c problem (not sure what it is, evaporator or something that requires removal of the whole dash and is expensive), which seems well documented that it fails and the ABS control unit which lots of folks seem to have problems with.
Good luck.
Oak
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thank you.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Check to make sure that all the power windows work, sometimes they'll go down but not up, vice versa, etc. make sure you try all the switches. Also, lock all of the doors then try to open them from the outside, sometimes a little plastic latch will break inside the door, and it will look like they're locked but they really aren't. Great comfortable car, but check for proper maintenance.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thanks so much.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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ABS Control Unit will fail at about 80K miles, if it hasn't already.
All of them will.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thanks for the heads-up!
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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'99 and newer volvos require a timing belt change every 105k miles. The GLT is the light turbo and delivers lots of power for little money vs the T5 turbo. I think is a great choice.
The key to your queery is maintenance records. If this car was volvo dealer serviced and well taken care of by one owner, and the A/C is ice cold, and the ABS/TRACS light is off, then I would go for it with the low miles.
--
'98 v70 GLT John, Tampa Bay
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thank you so much for the valuable information!
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thank you so much for the valuable information!
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Try this as well. With the engine running, take the gear shifter and go through ALL the gears from L1 to Park. Do this three or four times at a steady and unabusive manner. Now see if a flashing arrow has occured on the dash. If so, it needs the inevitable PNP switch replacement. Secondly, turn on EVERY electrical switch and check that the corresponding unit works. Lastly, check the transmission fluid dip stick. Is the fluid nice and pink or is it brown and dirty looking? Lastly, take it for a test drive and push the car hard (when you can safely do so) including some hard braking. Any smoke coming out the rear? How did the brakes respond. I did all of the above when accompanied by a sales rep. I later bought the car. A '94 850 that still runs great to this day....
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Ya need to push it a little to see what is weak. Remember..the pork'in ya get aint worth the pork'in you'll get!
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thanks.
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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I have owned and operated an S70 Glt for over 5 years now.
You will find a great deal of information about the history of these cars right here in the history of this site.
Expect to replace turbo seal and rear main seal after 80-100k
Expect problems with evap. The design traps vapour and may fail. Turn off AC 3 min prior to shutdown and blow ambient air, to lengthen service life.
As noted ABS controller, may need attention.
Overall, this car has been very reliable, fun to drive, and looks great.
Nice acceleration. Personally, I have only had to do the seals. AC and ABS are still good. Also, I have run this car on the cheapest gas for well over 120k and have not experienced any difficulty. You may find gearshifting is a little rough if you are used to smooth buick/audi style shifting.
Good luck
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posted by
someone claiming to be
on
Wed Dec 31 18:00 CST 1969 [ RELATED]
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Thanks for the information.
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