V70: General 2 year service costs

[pdrvolvo]

Originally Posted by IC

It is advisable to change standard brake fluid every two years as it is hygroscopic, so absorbs moisture becoming less effective. My Volvo dealership always gives me the option of using oil that I supply. You can source parts like pollen filters from Rufe at very competitive prices: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=57125

that may be so but the majority of cars go through there whole life without changeing the brake fluid and that includes passing mot tests.if the brake system stays sealed then i dont see how any sygnificant amount of moisture can enter the system.i certainly dont know many people that change brake fluid every two years.i maintan that its an expencive change thats not needed under normal circumstances.

peter.

[IC]

Originally Posted by pdrvolvo

that may be so but the majority of cars go through there whole life without changeing the brake fluid and that includes passing mot tests.if the brake system stays sealed then i dont see how any sygnificant amount of moisture can enter the system.i certainly dont know many people that change brake fluid every two years.i maintan that its an expencive change thats not needed under normal circumstances.

peter.

Hi, I'm interested in where did you get your facts from as it would be interesting to see the research. The whole point of using a Volvo dealership or specialist is that they will recommend things like changing the brake fluid when it is appropriate.

http://www.safermotoring.co.uk/Check...ToppingUp.html

[pdrvolvo]

Originally Posted by IC

Hi, I'm interested in where did you get your facts from as it would be interesting to see the research. The whole point of using a Volvo dealership or specialist is that they will recommend things like changing the brake fluid when it is appropriate.

http://www.safermotoring.co.uk/Check...ToppingUp.html

they will recommend it so they can charege you a fortune to do the job.apropriate or not.ts not about research and recommendations its about common sense and reality.if people want to do everything that is "recommended" to them by a dealer then fine but i prefer to use my own judgment.i should add that i do know a little bit about cars.i also know how most main stealers operate.

peter.

[grass hopper]

Originally Posted by jrrose

Thanks guys for your comments. I suppose the dilemma is of course getting the logbook stamped by the dealer with the car only being 2 years old and still under warranty. I have had it in 3 times for recalls including the belt rod tensioner so I think they have all been done. I do have a local Volvo specialist where I took my old V70 2002 after the 3 year warranty period ended who is excellent but am cautious with all the unannounced recalls on this car that I may miss one and end up in trouble. I suppose I could have a go at the dealer and see if they are prepared to reduce the amount but I thought their prices were fairly set by Volvo. My next nearest dealer is in Preston but part of the same group, Doves, but may be worth a try. I suppose that in the long run this will be the last service that I need before the warranty runs out so I am buying piece of mind more than anything, and then go back to my trusted specialist next year.
Thanks again

you can use any vat registered garage for the servicing as long as Volvo parts or equivalent quality are used and all the checks/parts are replaced as per schedule.

the price for the service is a rip off,ok the fuel and air filter are changed,but Volvo booted out s****stone for overcharging and bad practice,looks like things have not changed.

you can also contact any Volvo dealer and ask if any recalls require doing.

[jrrose]

Hi Guys, I though I would report on what eventually happened. I contacted the Volvo dealer in Doncaster where I purchased the car who were £100 cheaper than Doves for the service. I questioned this and they basically said the service didn't include the brake fluid as they would inspect first to see if moisture had got in and wouldn't charge unless it needed changing. Volvo recommend the change as described above but isn't part of the service - why not??. I went back to Doves who brought the price down to around £325 (from the original £470) then went on to insist that the brake fluid should be changed which took the price back up to £409.57 which I eventually paid. So all in all I knocked them down by £60 better than nothing but still rather expensive and a bit of a faff. The Volvo specialist gets it next year who will be less than half the price. Haggling works but should we really need to?

Thanks for all your comments

[Westyman]

After the 3 years was up on my 05 V70, the local franchised dealer who had given me reasonable value, though not cheap, was sold on to Str*****ne who whacked up the service charge for no apparent benefit to me so I went to an independant Volvo specialist who charges £62 an hour. The aforementioned charge £105 for cars 3 years old or less and £85 for older cars, now I wonder why that is.......

As said, I was advised that the independant could do servicing without affecting warranty but could not undertake any warranty repairs.

[Patrick lince]

The cheaper rate for older cars trick (which seems to be common practice among the 'prestige' brands) is incredibly annoying and there seems to be no justifiable reason for this.

It ought to be illegal!

[Happning]

Give MRG a try as stated below. My '08 plate 2.5T cost a lot (lot) less than you have been quoted. Probably even worth the drive down there

[Heather681]

Originally Posted by jrrose

Thanks guys for your comments. I suppose the dilemma is of course getting the logbook stamped by the dealer with the car only being 2 years old and still under warranty. I have had it in 3 times for recalls including the belt rod tensioner so I think they have all been done. I do have a local Volvo specialist where I took my old V70 2002 after the 3 year warranty period ended who is excellent but am cautious with all the unannounced recalls on this car that I may miss one and end up in trouble. I suppose I could have a go at the dealer and see if they are prepared to reduce the amount but I thought their prices were fairly set by Volvo. My next nearest dealer is in Preston but part of the same group, Doves, but may be worth a try. I suppose that in the long run this will be the last service that I need before the warranty runs out so I am buying piece of mind more than anything, and then go back to my trusted specialist next year.
Thanks again

Volvo in Orpington wanted over £500 for a 2 year service on a car we bought 7 months ago with just 3000 miles on the clock.

We went to our local Ford dealer and took out a 5 year service plan, including collection, MOT and have saved £100s