I don't know it that should be a stipulation...depends on the miles on the car (close to or over 70K mile interval?). This is not a difficult thing to do on these cars at all and not very expensive either....unless you have the DEALER do it. You can check out www.fcpgroton.com to see which parts and at what the prices are for thes parts, for the most common issues. For parts and labor, the TB should be less than $300 (total- including ALL parts and labor) at an independent mechanic, and like I say, it's really a quite simple job. Of course, if the TB hasn't been change and the car is beyond the 70K mile interval, I would demand it be done. Look under the hood on the passenger side (usually on the ECU case lid or TB cover), you'll usually see a sticker indicating the miles at which the TB was replaced.

More of a concern would be the A/C which are prone to be broken on these cars...and if the evaporator core of the A/C is broken, you are looking at least $1200 for replacement as the entire dash has to come out of the car. So, make sure the A/C is blowing cold air. Also, check the transmission dip stick to make sure it's not brown or burnt smelling. If it is bad, there are no real re-builds...so you're looking at a swap which could be $2-3K. Other than these, the typical maitenance items, such as front end suspension parts (shocks/struts, mounts), brakes, etc. Also, the ABS system is prone to go bad, but this is also a cheap fix (around $150 for a rebuild from a guy who is very reputable and often posts here).

Getting back to the TB issue. If the miles are close to the 70K mile interval, inquire about it. It is however, not much of a bargaining chip unless the one selling the car is ignorant about these things.

Good luck and let us know what you decide. These are good solid cars which you should be able to drive for virtually forever if previous maintenance (oil changes at 3-5K miles, tranny fluid flushes at 30-40K miles, etc.) has been done and you're willing to continue them.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.