Servicing your Volvo
 

My 3 year warranty will shortly expire. I was wondering what you guys do about servicing your Volvo after 3 years ownership? Can't decide whether to buy the service plan offered by my local main dealer (£29 per month for 28 months for a 3 year service plan) or use a local independent Volvo specialist.

I'd have the dealer service at least for another year, that way if any faults arise you'll be in with a chance for a Volvo 'contribution' to get it fixed outside of the warranty. I've had this several times in the past (once at 90% of the cost).

Agree 100% keep with Volvo dealer as suggested if you have a problem,also you get updates on car systems .

I've historically just paid a main dealer year after year, negotiating prices, using VOC 'discount' etc but will probably look into the service plan - due for its service soon.

I treated my last car well anyway, but regardless, it was always serviced by Volvo main dealers, I had a few issues but Volvo seemed more open to contribute to some of the problems which may not have happened otherwise.... I covered 127,000 miles in 7 years. With no major issues.

You also get European breakdown cover, software updates and (hopefully) expertise...

How does the service plan cost sound to everyone? Initially I thought it was a bit expensive but it averages out at around £270 per service - good value?

Just had my 4-year V70 service £497 quid (including recommended brake fluid change costing £60-something) in Ipswich. £270 sounds quite good if it's the same for the first 5.

In that case, I'm taking the service plan!

My V60 is just coming up 5 years old. I bought it as a Selekt used car 18 months ago along with a service plan for 3 years at £35 per month over 24 months. So that is last, this and next years' services covered.

It has given me protection against any rising costs, it will be fully paid off later this year long before I even have to think about the 3rd service (so in terms of instant cash-flow at the time that will potentially be "free" or at least feel like it!) and each service means I have Volvo breakdown cover which saves expenses around the £100 mark to get the same from, eg, RAC. I know all parts will be genuine, and there will be the full updates for all systems.

Plus it maintains a complete Volvo SH which might still give me a little leverage even now if something fails that shouldn't, plus, although it may not be much, if as is extremely likely I trade the car in at a Volvo dealer in due course it is another bargaining chip for a little more trade in value.

So my view would be go for the service plan!

David

I have taken the service plan - it seems decent value - plus it comes with a few benefits too, such as 10% discount on parts, labour, accessories, amongst other things.

Thanks everyone for their responses.

For me the dealership servicing isn't an issue. If you accept that your paying a premium for the service in the first place and the cost of the free breakdown assist, which isn't exactly free is it. But offers peace of mind and one less thing to sort out. Which I did with Volvo for a few years.

Its the red, amber green items they flag up on the so called health checks and the lack of consistency in the reporting from one service to the next and similarly one dealership to the next I take issue with.

For example at 75k service (£350). I was advised that I needed an additional £1650 of work including new clutch, as there was a squawk from the pedal. (The same intermittent squawk from 32k miles). I still have the same clutch with squawk at 96k miles...

When advised my vehicle 'needed brakes all round to pass MOT' after a second opinion from a 'Volvo master technician at a different franchise, who confirmed I just needed front pads and disks and rear pads.

Where as my independent garage front pads and disks required only.

Other items like fluid top ups at Volvo are a generally a third more expensive than my independent garage.

I get the impression that certain dealers are treating their service department as an additional after sales to meet dealership targets.

I now use a reputable independent garage which used to service the local Police force vehicles, who has access to all the modern tech and provides advise rather than scaremonger tactics.

But if you enjoy 'free biscuits, coffee, wifi, car wash & recovery service' its worth knowing it all comes at a cost.