Time For Regular Service/Huge Outlay

[giw12]

Hi All

I’m only a few days away from the dreaded ‘Time for a regular service’ message.

Dreaded?

Maybe I’m being naive about the costs of running a 55 plate 163hp 2.5 tonne auto seven seater, but our service/maintenance history since we got together looks like this:

2013: 7 year service, 122k - £553
2014: service, 133k - £650
2015: service, 143k - £278 (a different specialist)
2015: major gearbox work - £3,600
2015: SAS, callipers - £861
2015: misc - £133
2016: service, callipers, sensors, bushes, mounts, 153k - £1,643
2017: service, EGR, mounts, bushes, oil leaks, 163k - £1,631
2017: ABS sensors, CCM replaced - £658
2018: service, mounts, seals, 171k - £899
2019: ?????

I’ve never listed everything out before, so assuming I haven’t jumped off a cliff by the time some replies come in, have I been very unlucky or are these figures par for the course? As much as I’m fond of the old girl, would I be advised to think about a newer one?

[gmonag]

I also run a 163hp and would not change it except for a 200hp. Your outlay seems typical for the MY but you have been paying top dollar (Volvo dealer?). I would use an indy for service and repair, or even better DIY which is what I do, but I realise that not everyone can do that.
You seen to have replaced most of the usual suspects so I would stick with the old girl.

[giw12]

Hi Greg

It’s all at an indie....nothing done at a dealer.

Maybe I need to find a new indie.

[oragex]

That is a relatively high miles, however I noticed the calipers were replaced twice ? We usually don't even replace these - or have to rebuild them.

Just quickly looking, while repairs are indeed needed, something seems a little on the high side. We cannot appreciate the wear on the vehicle, but some garages may be a little too easy on replacing parts that have little wear - and given the money spent, I'll say you may be going to such of place. Wait to see what other owners here have to say, but I think you may be paying quite a bit more than the average owner that has the car repaired by and Indy shop.

Also, I would rather buy the parts from online stores (from the quality brands) and bring them to the garage, instead of or letting the garage buy genuine (if that's the case). At least, I'd check myself online the garage did pay the correct amount.

I'm surprised I don't see any suspension parts on the list, assuming these were already replaced before 2013

[XJSDriver]

Hi giw12, interested to know if your gearbox oil was ever changed? I am planning to hang on to my XC90 for the long term but a major expense that worries me is the gearbox; I am expecting a replacement to be around the 2-2.5k, but 3.6k seems excessive?

[S60D5-185]

I'm lucky in that I can and do, most jobs on my cars myself however I realise that many can't, won't or don't.


Personally, I think many of the figures quoted are eye watering particularly the general servicing.

I have a feeling that if you shopped around you could get the work done much cheaper, with no detriment to quality.

Out of interest, have you tried a Volvo main dealer for a servicing quote? Many automatically dismiss them out of hand for maintenance or spare parts but quite often they can be very competitive not to mention the free breakdown cover afforded to you when having the car serviced there.

[giw12]

Originally Posted by oragex

That is a relatively high miles, however I noticed the calipers were replaced twice ? We usually don't even replace these - or have to rebuild them.

Just quickly looking, while repairs are indeed needed, something seems a little on the high side. We cannot appreciate the wear on the vehicle, but some garages may be a little too easy on replacing parts that have little wear - and given the money spent, I'll say you may be going to such of place. Wait to see what other owners here have to say, but I think you may be paying quite a bit more than the average owner that has the car repaired by and Indy shop.

Also, I would rather buy the parts from online stores (from the quality brands) and bring them to the garage, instead of or letting the garage buy genuine (if that's the case). At least, I'd check myself online the garage did pay the correct amount.

I'm surprised I don't see any suspension parts on the list, assuming these were already replaced before 2013

Hi

The calipers were for 2 replaced separately as they started binding a few months apart. Suspension parts I fear may be the next big bill as the rear is starting to sag a little on one side.

I am using an Indy for all the work but I don’t have the time to shop around unfortunately (plus, not many to choose from in my part of the world). My nearest main dealer charges £150+vat per hour for all non-service work so I think that would be a big number very quickly. Also, I’d imagine they would be in uncharted waters as they must see very few of that age and mileage.

Would be good to hear some numbers from other owners with similar age vehicles.

Regards

[giw12]

Originally Posted by XJSDriver

Hi giw12, interested to know if your gearbox oil was ever changed? I am planning to hang on to my XC90 for the long term but a major expense that worries me is the gearbox; I am expecting a replacement to be around the 2-2.5k, but 3.6k seems excessive?

The gearbox was totally rebuilt in 2015 and the oil hasn’t been changed since. I’ve not had any problems with it and the guy who did the work is of the view that there’s no need to change the oil, ever.

[giw12]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

I'm lucky in that I can and do, most jobs on my cars myself however I realise that many can't, won't or don't.


Personally, I think many of the figures quoted are eye watering particularly the general servicing.

I have a feeling that if you shopped around you could get the work done much cheaper, with no detriment to quality.

Out of interest, have you tried a Volvo main dealer for a servicing quote? Many automatically dismiss them out of hand for maintenance or spare parts but quite often they can be very competitive not to mention the free breakdown cover afforded to you when having the car serviced there.

Hi

Yes, I wouldn’t have a clue what to do and don’t have the time, equipment or facilities alas.

I’m thinking about using Just Volvo in Hampshire - I used them once and their bill was the lowest but a bit of a pain to get to

[john langrick]

Hi. I have a my2003 xc90 geartronic diesel.

My local indi charges £40 per hour and have used him for about 5 years.

I drive about 6000 per year and have had the car over 2 years now. My previous car was an v70 serviced the same way. I used to service my own car, but then had company cars for over 30 years. Since retirement I don't want to be crawling under the car but do have an odb code reader which will reset all error codes i find this invaluable. I do not have VIDA, but my indi does.

I have the car serviced and then mot at the same time. There is usually a few bits needed over and above service, such as wishbone, abs rings, wheel bearings but i always buy myself and usually genuine volvo. Usual labour for service plus ods and ends fitted about £400 which includes mot.

I have also have a few other bits replaced, this is an old car ( 165k), such as main rad (leaking water into gearbox £140 inc gibons oil flush), a/c condenser (£112), transfer box second hand, 1 yr warranty. £350 and spline gear (£140) , ac pump £230)The latter of these not crucial ( ac was noisy and leaked refrigerant so needed regassing over the year). Labour for these £40 per hour.

So really not cheap, but would have similar costs on my old v70 and I prefer this car!

So if the car is tidy and you keep up the maintenance, I personally think they are worthwhile, but I guess key importance to get a good reasonably priced Indi

Hope this helps.

John l