Joining the VOC

[imac]

Well, after a couple of years of freeloading on the forum, I decided to join up. Thought I'd post my thoughts and maybe persuade a couple of others to sign up too!

I didn't bother before, as with an 850 I didn't use the main dealers so the main-dealer discount wouldn't have been of use to me, and the local specialist I use didn't have a VOC member discount.

Recently on the purchase of my S60, I decided that I would probably have the services done at a Volvo dealer to retain the FVSH. I phoned my dealer up to be told that they offer a 10% discount on parts & labour for VOC members. On a £300 service this pays for the VOC membership in its entirety!

What also swung it for me, was the fact that the new specialist I use for my S60 and two 850 T5's now offers a 10% discount. So even on servicing alone I am likely to save the VOC joining fee three times over, let alone any work being carried out on the cars!

I received my membership pack today, with a copy of the latest Volvo Driver and Volvo Technical Driver magazines, and whilst on initial browsing, they are mainly geared towards the older Volvos, I was very impressed with the quality of them. I will admit to expecting a 4/5 page stapled photocopied magazine!!

So.. anyway, if you're thinking about joining the VOC just do it! At only £23 until the end of 2006 it almost certainly will save you money on parts/servicing/work done on your car!

[classicswede]

Well done for joining us paid up members

I hope you enjoy being a member and find it that little more helpfull.

PS do you prefer to read about classic volvo's or new volvo's in the mag??

Dai

[Bob]

We are trying to get a balance of stuff for the older and newer cars as more newer cars are now coming into the club, but much depends on what members submit to the editors, Dave and Jack. We are open to suggestions so don't be slow coming forward with any.

One of the problems with the newer cars is their complexity and need for special tools, usually electronics such as computers. Many of the new cars are getting beyond the ability of the average 'home mechanic'. My '53 PV444 only needs a spanner and screw driver. My T5 needs only to be driven to the garage for someone else to do the work. It's beyond me.

But there are still some things that can be put into print. One such thing is the upgrading to HID headlights. That is not too difficult and from what I have seen of Chris's C70 it is worth it.

Bob

[imac]

Originally Posted by classicswede

PS do you prefer to read about classic volvo's or new volvo's in the mag??

Dai

I'd prefer to read about newer Volvos. By newer, I mean 1994 onwards I guess, as this is my main area of interest. I currently have an S60 and two 850 T5's and am considering the purchase of a T5-R shortly.

We've had two 700 style Volvo's in the family before and whilst they were fantastic cars, they didn't really "float my boat" enough to be an enthusiast. The 850's were the cars that got me into the Volvo brand.

However, its nice to see a mixture of new & old and I certainly do enjoy reading about the older cars too - I'll hopefully think of a few things and forward them on to the relevant club personnel.

I've just joined the VOC as well and my magazines and stuff came through in the post today.

I personally like reading about anything technical, old or new. I thought the volvo technical driver was very good and I was surprised just how much info was in there. Some good tips as well, e.g with fault diagnosis, for old and newer volvos.

I think for none technical stuff my interest would lie more with modern cars, but when it comes to anything mechanical - and certainly for restoration projects undertaken - then classics are often more interesting.

Cheers, Pete

[homer timpson]

I joined up a couple of weeks ago and remarked about it to the mechanic - having just picked up my 1999 S40 after its service.

He smiled sarcastically and said, " so, they'll be sending your pipe and slippers out in the post then? "

Some preconceptions of the trusty old Volvo are still out there it seems

Had he said that to me in the early 80's when I ran a Daf 33 and then a 55 - well, maybe - but now......................

I simply suggested he came into the 21st century - and if still unsure, to check out the new S80

Homer

[gnhuk]

Originally Posted by homer timpson

He smiled sarcastically and said, " so, they'll be sending your pipe and slippers out in the post then? "

Homer

Just what my brother said when I bought the S40 - I had the last laugh when he bought an S60..................... Now he's thinking of replacing it with the new S80 when it's due for renewal! I'm waiting for the S40 D5.........

[imac]

Originally Posted by gnhuk

Just what my brother said when I bought the S40 - I had the last laugh when he bought an S60..................... Now he's thinking of replacing it with the new S80 when it's due for renewal! I'm waiting for the S40 D5.........

Will an S40 D5 happen? That'll surely encroach onto the S60 D5's territory!

[gnhuk]

Well, I've heard that there will be a V50 D5 (this year?) so logically there will be an S40 D5. The S40 is a much smaller car than the S60 and I, for one, cannot justify an S60. There was a thread recently which suggested that once the new S80 is established the S60 will be dropped. Only time will tell.