volvos expensive to work on??

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 02 Jun 2005, 18:34

I bought my first volvo in 1965 (544) I have owned 122 ,123,142EO ,145,many 1800s (1973 EO, anbody want the rust bucket) 242 , 850s and now S70GLTSE. And have been able to do most work myself. I would buy an OBD11 reader so you know where the problem is withouit throwing money at an elusive problem.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2005, 06:46

If you don't do the work yourself, absolutely. And even if you do, yes, since the parts are expensive. The "computer age" changed everything.

When my stereo system gives out or when the next major repair is required, whatever comes first, is when I move back to strictly Japanese for good, Toyota or Mazda.

Don't get me wrong, when she's running normally, not a better car on the road, but just too expensive to maintain and repair when you've owned Japanese as the benchmark.

Be prepared to spend some $ if you become a Volvo owner. And being part of Ford now, you''ll be on your own more than ever for "debatable" problems.

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 03 Jun 2005, 09:12

Just to throw my 2 cents in here: I'm the proud papa of a 1993 850GLT with about 214,000 miles. The car runs like a dream, rides like champ and handles like a race car. It's all what you put into the car. If you take care of it and do the maintenance, you'll get good longevity out of it. However, if you don't maintain it well, it will die a premature death. I've also owned a 1988 240dl which I sold with 170k miles for $1500 last year to buy the 850. It was also in excellent condition. As far as costs, Volvo parts (like for any European car) tend to cost a bit more, so plan on spending around 20% more on repairs than a Chevy. All in all, it's VERY much worth it and ever since I first drive that 240dl, I've been a Volvo guy. I've gone so far as to tell my father one day that I will never own another car - it's Volvo or nothing.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2005, 12:25

VF,

Agree with your position except that my experience has been about 33-60% more to maintain and repair than my Japanese vehicles, although you may be on the mark with a chevy...

Don't get as good gas milage either.

'84 850 n/a

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2005, 12:29

Doh! make that '84 a '94 850 of course...

VolvoFreak · Post by **VolvoFreak** » 03 Jun 2005, 14:35

Guest wrote:Agree with your position except that my experience has been about 33-60% more to maintain and repair than my Japanese vehicles, although you may be on the mark with a chevy...

I guess it all depends on if you do the work yourself and/or how expensive your mechanic is. I was actually refering to mostly the parts typically having the 20% premium.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2005, 15:13

I'd rather push my Volvo then drive Jap Crap anyday!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2005, 16:19

Bought our '96 850 turbo new. Now it has 123,000 miles. Repairs in that time and mileage are--
-fuel pump
-transmission PNP switch
-windshield washer pump
-one tie rod end
-leaking water pump

Maintenance has been--
-flush automatic transmission and power steering with synthetic ATF every 50,000 miles
-brakes and shocks
-spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor
-coolant flush every two years
-brake fluid flush every two years
-timing belt & idler pulleys
-two serpentine belts and idler pulley
-Auto-Rx cleaning of the engine, transmission, and power steering--and the engine is peppier and smoother.

The only thing I feel has been required early is tires. I've now installed camber adjusters and set them at -.5

dm2005 · Post by **dm2005** » 25 Oct 2005, 19:01

I had 9 european cars during 18 years, Volvo is the best. I had 244 in 89 and then: 240, 66, 850. I never had any serious problems and Volvo twice saved my life! Long Live Volvo!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 27 Oct 2005, 13:25

[quote="Anonymous"]Bought our '96 850 turbo new. Now it has 123,000 miles. Repairs in that time and mileage are--
-fuel pump
-transmission PNP switch
-windshield washer pump
-one tie rod end
-leaking water pump

Maintenance has been--
-flush automatic transmission and power steering with synthetic ATF every 50,000 miles
-brakes and shocks
-spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor
-coolant flush every two years
-brake fluid flush every two years
-timing belt & idler pulleys
-two serpentine belts and idler pulley
-Auto-Rx cleaning of the engine, transmission, and power steering--and the engine is peppier and smoother.

The only thing I feel has been required early is tires. I've now installed camber adjusters and set them at -.5