How much do you spend per year on maintenance/repairs?

chapel · Post by **chapel** » 10 Nov 2015, 05:55

My wife really wants an XC90 next year and I told her I'd do my best to make that happen.
My question is: how much should I have squirreled away for annual maintenance and repairs?

I'm hoping to get a later 3.2L or V8 model. I'm also hoping to find one at CarMax so I can just buy a good warranty with it.

thebull · Post by **thebull** » 10 Nov 2015, 06:49

Depends of course but you know that.
Anyway, lets assume you got decent XC90 with less mileage. Normal maintenance done by yourself is like 200$ year. Filters and oil regular.
All fluids in differentials and transmission flush done by you will cost around 400$.
Water pump, pulley, tensioner and belt $500.

I have a rule that car second hand most probably will have major repair that could cost 3-4000$. Hopefully never happened but I think it is good rule. No surprises this way.
Good luck

chapel · Post by **chapel** » 10 Nov 2015, 10:07

aside from a complete motor meltdown, what are the big money jobs for the 3.2 and V8 models? (this might already be somewhere like a buyer's guide, I assume, so I'll look for those if that's the case.)

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 11 Nov 2015, 01:21

Yeah I always assume the worst when I buy something used. You never know. But a lot of times you've got to catch up on maintenence the old owner didn't do, or you don't know if they did like fluid flushes and belts and whatnot. The cost is relative to your abilities. With labor costs I'm way over budget on mine, but doing the work myself it's very affordable.

I know on the v8 a simple thing like an alternator is very expensive. Honestly these aren't the types of cars for people without a nice safety net of cash. They are reliable when taken care of but used, you never know. And if you don't do your own repairs, they can get very costly.

chapel · Post by **chapel** » 11 Nov 2015, 05:49

I'll start digging through the buying guides to know what to look out for.

What was the most expensive things you guys have paid for?

Post by **cn90** » 11 Nov 2015, 10:17

I can't speak for the XC90 because I only got it last year.

But I can tell you that my 1998 BMW 528i that I have had for 10 years.
I have spent about $6000 over 10 years for OEM parts (things like Lemforder, Wahler, Sachs etc.) to keep it running in top shape since 90K (when I bought it) to now 155K miles.
Sure, there are things I had to do (cooling system maintenance, water pump etc.) but there are things I didn't have to do (front and rear suspension overhauls, which make the car more pleasant to drive).

Expect to spend about $500-$600/year, but this is only if you DIY!
And it is down to:
- Absolutely essential repair versus
- Elective repair

chapel · Post by **chapel** » 11 Nov 2015, 14:59

I'm a BMW guy. Worked for the dealers as a systems integrator/administrator for 4 years. I have a 97 328i. Great car. Been a good couple years but I barely put 4000 miles a year on it.

I really love straight sixes and V8s. Glad those are my Volvo options as well.