Is a Volvo a Honda?

Is a Volvo a Honda??

Member Instarx wrote this in response to the Volvo Forum thread Buying a Used Volvo V70, and I must say I agree 100%.

If low operating expense is as big an issue as you imply, be aware that Volvos are expensive to repair when they break. They are borderline luxury cars and just like Mercedes, BMW, etc. it is simply more expensive to have them worked on. For example, micro-sized lightbulbs for dash lights cost $9 at a Volvo dealer while the exact same bulb at a Honda dealer is $2.60. That’s a trivial example but you get the idea. Since you can’t do your own work you will always be paying premium prices for replacement parts.

I have owned many different cars and although I love my current Volvo I do not expect it to be the most trouble-free car I have ever owned. It may be heresy on this Volvo board, but for reliability and trouble-free use, you may want to look at a used Honda or Toyota. I had a Honda Accord that went 87,000 miles without one single thing going wrong with it – not one thing! I doubt many Volvo owners can say the same.

Also be aware that if you get a Volvo with a turbo you should probably use premium fuel – a significant added expense with regular fuel approaching $4/gallon.

Volvos are not for everyone; a round peg does not fit in a square hole. For poor students and those who must have an operating vehicle every morning, bar none, buy new (anything) or buy a Honda (or Toyota). But those who buy, say, a 1997 Accord over a 1997 850 must remember they’re giving up a degree of safety for the promise of improved reliability and somewhat lower operating costs (maintenance + repairs + fuel and other consumables).

It’s a value decision, just like the other ten thousand value decisions we’re faced with in life.

MadeInJapan » I would trust a smooth running Volvo to carry me from one coast to the other on any given day…that said, certainly the AWD could have issues and therefore the lower price. I don’t really feel that 3 grand is low however…really depends on the miles and condition. For the transmission, it should shift smoothly and cause no check engine light….there should not be a shift upward arrow on the dash either. The fluid should be pink to red and not brown, or worse, black, and there shouldn’t be any burnt smell to the fluid. If you encounter this, you might question if the transmission is going to last….cared for correctly- a transmission flush before this condition and then routinely every 30-40K miles will be exactly as you said, good maintenance to see that the car drives well into the 200k’s. A transmission replacement on these cars can run you well into the high teens and possibly even 2grand, so check it out carefully. Also, the engine is important, but pretty sturdy on these unless the timing belt has snapped, or has jumped a tooth or so (you’ll notice a rough idle and possibly missing) or the head gasket was compromised when the car lost coolant and over-heated. Check for signs of this…white exhaust and green fluid under the car. Otherwise, the engines and the turbo’s are very stout. Another issues revolve around an uncared for PCV system which creates positive pressure in the crankcase causing the rear main engine seal to leak…this is expensive to repair as the engine has to be dropped out of the car with the transmission, the two split in half and the new seal installed….a grand or more. Finally, the weak link in the 850 and first 70 series cars is the A/C evaporator…when it leaks, you don’t have cold air at all..you can add gas but very soon it leaks out again. The only solution is to take the entire dash out of the car and replace the evaporator and other components. At the dealer, this carries a $1600 price tag. So, I’ve listed the main things…the things that would keep you from driving the car on a long trip…and things you should be careful of. Suspension, tires, brakes, etc. are general maintenance items and certainly should be checked out but aren’t that difficult for any mechanic to do and shouldn’t cost you an arm or a leg.

Last Updated on September 13, 2022