The 98 has 172k
the 99 has 175k
the 01 has 190k
All are running and have been checked by a mechanic. Which would be the best choice? I have read so much on this site my mind is melting.
Thanks
1998 XC70 vs 1999 NA v70 vs 2001 V70 T5
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Matty Moo
- Posts: 1810
- Joined: 12 Oct 2008, 21:38
- Year and Model: 850, 1996
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Has thanked: 1 time
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Skip the 01. I'd rather have the 98 provided the AWD is functional and in good shape. The 99 na would be alright as long as the etm issue has been squared away. It just won't be real quick.

http://www.midwest-abs.com
Simplycleanpowerwash.com
1996 850 Platinum Wagon. ARD Green Tune, OBX.-Gone
1998 s70 ARD tune, EST exhaust, SE/R interior.
1999 s70 Plain Jane.
2000 s70 GLT
2014 Ram
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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precopster
- Posts: 7543
- Joined: 21 Aug 2010, 00:20
- Year and Model: Lots
- Location: Melbourne Australia
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The 99 is a simpler vehicle with less to go wrong and has the best fuel consumption. Coil on plug ignition is a bonus starting '99.
Airbags on front seats also have head protection starting '99. Has Denso MAF and some Denso sensors (brand that Toyota uses) ETM can go wrong.
The 98 has a lot of vacuum hoses, Bosch sensors and a turbo to service/replace. Distributor cap, coil and leads make misfires hard to trace. AWD has expensive tailshaft. Otherwise very solid but not as safe.
'01 has transmission worries especially at this mileage unless just replaced. Also again lots more vacuum hoses and Bosch sensors to go wrong.
A safer and stabler car with increased track & curtain bags for front AND rear passengers.
'01 has ETM.
Airbags on front seats also have head protection starting '99. Has Denso MAF and some Denso sensors (brand that Toyota uses) ETM can go wrong.
The 98 has a lot of vacuum hoses, Bosch sensors and a turbo to service/replace. Distributor cap, coil and leads make misfires hard to trace. AWD has expensive tailshaft. Otherwise very solid but not as safe.
'01 has transmission worries especially at this mileage unless just replaced. Also again lots more vacuum hoses and Bosch sensors to go wrong.
A safer and stabler car with increased track & curtain bags for front AND rear passengers.
'01 has ETM.
Current cars VW Transporter 2.5TDI, 2010 XC90 D5 R Design
- cmblackburn
- Posts: 256
- Joined: 07 Apr 2012, 04:23
- Year and Model: 1998 S70 T5M
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Has thanked: 1 time
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98 trumps all in serviceability. 99 is the first year of ME7...meaning immobilizer, ETM and CANBUS. 01 is known to have severe transmission issues as well as ETM. 98 is just an 850.
1994 855 Turbo, 243k "Honey Badger"
1998 S70 T5M, 287k "The Blue Turd"
2004 S40 2.4i, 197k "Cosmo"
2005 XC90 2.5T AWD, 207k "Apollo 13"
2011 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI 6MT, 93k "Zoe"
1998 S70 T5M, 287k "The Blue Turd"
2004 S40 2.4i, 197k "Cosmo"
2005 XC90 2.5T AWD, 207k "Apollo 13"
2011 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI 6MT, 93k "Zoe"
- erikv11
- Posts: 11912
- Joined: 25 Jul 2009, 14:03
- Year and Model: 850, V70, S60R, XC70
- Location: Iowa
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Do not buy the 01, transmission woes will effectively end the life of such an old vehicle.
I would either go with the 98, knowing and expecting the AWD will go out and planning to just switch it to FWD at that time (i.e., do not repair the AWD), or go with the 99 because it is simpler to maintain (no AWD, no turbo). The drawback is the 99 is slower and if the ETM has not been replaced, you can expect to spend a few bucks to have that done soon.
If it was for me, I would get the 98. If it was for someone in my family and I was going to maintain it for them, I would get the 99.
I would either go with the 98, knowing and expecting the AWD will go out and planning to just switch it to FWD at that time (i.e., do not repair the AWD), or go with the 99 because it is simpler to maintain (no AWD, no turbo). The drawback is the 99 is slower and if the ETM has not been replaced, you can expect to spend a few bucks to have that done soon.
If it was for me, I would get the 98. If it was for someone in my family and I was going to maintain it for them, I would get the 99.
'95 854 T-5R, Motronic 4.4, 185k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 201k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 223k
gone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 201k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 223k
gone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k
- abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 36153
- Joined: 17 Feb 2013, 17:54
- Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
- Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
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At175k, the 1999 will have already had the ETM done. Confirm it has yellow label, and go for it.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
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