I just picked up a 99 C70 with 75k miles over the weekend. It's a second car that will be used mostly for nice days / weekends. I bought it at a used (non-Volvo) dealer. They were asking $9,999 and I got them down to $7,350. It's in pretty decent shape. The seats are a bit worn, but that's to be expected. It's white with a tan top and interior.

This is my first Volvo, so, I'll be posting quite a bit as I learn about this car. I have had about 11 VWs and 1 Audi so I am a bit familiar with European cars and the quirks they can have. My current daily driver is a 2006 Jetta TDI (45mpg!).

 

So far, the car has been great. It drives great in the highway. At lower speeds, cornering, and on some bumps, the car shimmies/shakes a bit more than I expected. Of course, my last convertible (1992 VW Cabriolet) was a bit smaller and lighter than this car. I will probably go for a strut tower brace eventually. I also want to check out the suspension to see if anything is loose / worn. Do you guys know the typical life on the shocks/struts on these cars?

 

I am making an appointment for next week with my local indy euro shop to have the timing belt and water pump done. At 75k miles and no indication that it has been changed (I checked for a sticker), I don't want to run that risk. I can turn a wrench, but a timing belt is too big and time consuming for me.

 

The only issues I have notice with the car so far:
- The drivers side sun visor. I didn't notice it was being held up with stick on velcro. I see this is a common problem. I'm going to try and see if I can fix it or pick up a used one somewhere.

 

OK, this is annoying....I've tried to break it up but this site is really giving me problems.....

 

If you want to tighten up the car suspension wise...

1. Strut brace (OMP or EuroSportTuning (EST))
2. IPD USA sway bars
3. Viva Performance Lower Chasis Brace

 

The Convertable should already have a lower Chasis brace from the factory.

 

So, I got the timing belt and water pump done for a little over $500. Not bad. I'm used to a bit more with my 4cyl turbo vws.

I lucked out and found a totaled C70 that a used parts place was parting out. Ran into it on eBay. I scored a drivers side sun visor in great shape. I got it for a total of $28 including shipping. I hear the dealer wants around $200 for a new one?? Ouch.

I had the old one out and the new one installed in about 5 minutes. Sweet!