i am looking to buy a 1999 c70 convertible with 45k miles on it. I am very inexperienced with Volvo's, so I am seeking advice. The used car dealer is looking for 8k but it blue books for 5k-ish(the car looks to be in very good condition). My worry is mostly with reliability and maintenance cost. cars of similar price range I am looking at are like nissans and Toyotas with around 100k miles. Do you think I am better off going with these cars that are fairly cheap to fix, or this low miles Volvo that may be expensive to fix down the road.

 

Ask the dealer if he was the service records from the previous owner.
Due to the age there are essential service requirements that need attention irrespective of the low mileage. i.e. timing belt.
Any website links to see pics available?
4-5k seems a more realistic price if in good condition and not lacking regular maintenance.

 

6k would be a better price. Love to find a 99 convert with that low miles. 2.3 HPT or 2.4? Manual or auto?

 

I'm not sure if the dealer has records, but I will ask. Here is a link to the car. http://cargur.us/17LYd
Thanks so much for your input!

 

Yes, everyone is saying the price is a bit high. It's a 5 cylinder, it's the only motor type that comes in this vehicle. It's automatic.

 

Beach Ford is always high on there vehicles.

 

Not worth it. The first gens have terrible resale value. You should be able to buy one with a slightly higher mileage for a lot lesser.

The timing belt interval is 50K. Also, being an original belt its way past its "time interval" and is due to for an immediate replacement. You also need to account for other small wear items (bushings, etc.) which will go out due to age.

There are 2 engines. 2.3L (high pressure turbo or HPT) & 2.4L (low pressure turbo or LPT). Both are 5 cylinders. So there are 2 engines with either manual or auto transmission choice available. There's also 2 choices for suspensions - firm (which is what I have and would recommend) or firmer (which is excellent for track purposes and also great for breaking you back). Remember, this car was almost $48,000 new and was developed by Volvo with Tom Wilkinshaw Racing (they are like Lotus but even more focused on the British Touring Championship).

As far as reliability, the heater cores commonly leak and so do the steering racks. YOu can get a decent heater core on ebay for $60 and do a DIY (there are steps here on this forum just search for it). It will take you about an hour or so. Very simple and does not need require tearing apart the dashboard mercifully.

The steering rack in a real PITA DIY but can be done (the TRW racks are more prone to leakage).

Another common failure is the ABS/traction control unit. Again you can buy one on ebay for $80 and replace it (there's a DIY on youtube and relatively simple to do).

Also, check for the PNP switch on the transmission. There's E, W & S modes. If the PNP switch is bad, an arrow light (for overdrive) will be flashing on the dash and you will have an EXTREMELY hard time accelerating to even 40mph. Again, you can buy a switch for about $120 and replace it. This one is a bit of a PITA but there are multiple write ups to cover it.

Check the seat motors and window motors. If either doesn't, they are expensive to replace.

I bought my '98 coupe with 280K miles for $1800 last year and mine came every option possible including the 12 speaker dyna audio system (yours doesnt have that). I have spent about $2200 on it. But it gives me great gas mileage, is an effortless cruiser. I can do 80-85 mph all day long and still get 25-26 mpg. This is in sports mode and with multiple 4th to 2nd downshifts to overtake everyone else on the road.

Believe me, no Toyota (except the Supra) or Nissan (except the 350/370Z) will come close to handling and comfort that the 1st gen C70 will provide. Neither do any of those look remotely as beautiful as the C70.

Look for one with slightly higher miles, much lower price and from a private seller. You will be on road with a relatively unique and fun car.

And the best part is, insurance is relatively cheap due to Volvo being considered slouchy safe cars. Insurance companies do not realize that these are rocket powered (2.3L HPT versions only).

 

Oh and by the way, Carfax wont buy the car back. Its way out of its coverage period. Neither does it have premium sound (although even the regular sound system is pretty good). And if I am not wrong, the fuel tank is 18.5 gallons.

Stay away from that dealer. I dont trust them from whatever I see online.

 

51k on mine. Replaced passenger seat switch twice. Replaced driver's door window regulator, all last year. Replaced both wheel hub bearings, both front axles, both front struts, both rear shocks this year. Still love the car, mine is fully optioned. 16 years wears on a vehicle.