Hank,
We had a 98' S70 GLT - the LT is the light pressure turbo. The S70 used to be called the 850. I liked it, decent power and the trans shifted well- firm , not too soft but not bone jarring either, a nice road car. It was sporty, and my wife felt safe in it- she called it her tank. Great brakes, decent acceleration in town, you didnt know you were driving a turbo - until you really pushed the pedal. Excellent gearing/ trans combo for the engine. I didnt get to drive it much though it was my wifes car! We had no engine problems, actually no problems except batt and bulb problems in 3+years
The only problems we had with it was the electrical systems- seemed to be a pretty common problem since I spoke with more than a few owners that had problems- battery, and lamps.
I would pay careful attention to the turbo- maintance is important as you know, and coked housings, and blocked oil lines will make the good deal not too good.
We leased it new and it had no defects, battery gave out end of year 3 so my wife deemed the car unreliable and so we got another. - I really should have kept it rather than the Passat we leased(wifes choice) we have had the vw a year and a half and its been in the shop for all sorts of small sh8t- broken seat x2, window, ash tray fell out, too many small things.
Used cars are selling for nothing- too many good deals on new- around here you can lease a new vehicle with free maintance, and warranty - or taken another way- no additional costs for 300 or so dollars a month with little to no cash out of pocket. A good deal if you stay within the milage limits. THe used car lots are full and I woul;d think that prices are low with the way new car sales are going, and the number of cars that come off lease from a few years ago.
Good Luck
