Are P2 V70s really that expensive to maintain?

[micn]

I dont think it is too bad. I bought one 11 yrs ago, 2002 V70 non turbo gasoline, it cost 3500 Euro then, now 11 yrs later I spent around 7 - 8 000 Euro total for service (did new timing belt, front and rear suspensions, brakes, gas tank piping, fuel pump, exhaust muffler 3x times, tires, PCV, dashboard repair and some minor repairs, lately new ETM which unfortunately does still have some troubles, but might be just a cable or connector). Thats not including oil and filter changes done by myself. Drove 200 000 km. I'm not counting the LPG system build in, which cost 1100 Euro and actually saved around 12 000 Euro in fuel money : ) Its getting old, but the drives are soothing, I love it, my wife less so : )

[DavidE7]

The advantage of the Volvo over the Toyota is in the rust protection. Any older car will be incredibly expensive to maintain using the dealer. Volvos are affordable if you have access to a "pick-n-pull" junkyard with a constant supply of non-wear parts and don't mind spending a lot of weekends diagnosing and installing wear items from FCP Euro and your local auto parts store.

[volvolugnut]

Basically it is a lifestyle choice.
Do I want to have a vehicle that you drop at the dealer and return later to pay whatever they ask for repairs or do you want an older vehicle that you use your time to repair yourself and save the money to buy more tools and repair parts.
volvolugnut