Time to replace my xc90?

[JonWill]

Hi all, a long time since my last post... Due to many miles of carefree motoring... However it seems that time may be drawing to a close...

I have just had to have the actuator rod replaced, not in itself too pricey, but my independent garage tells me that this is a precursor to needing to replace all the manifold flaps at a likely cost of around £900, and this is likely to happen in the next few months.

The car is 2011and has done 125k miles, and I was hoping to hold on to it for another year or two, but if the costs are about to start mounting up, it may be time to change. My garage also says that the new xc90 is hard to service as independent garages do not have access to the ecu.

So... Should I keep my current wheels rolling, or move on? Obviously, after Christmas is not a great time to be spending money . Thanks for your thoughts!

Jon

[Tony500]

Not sure why you have been quoted 900 for the flaps. I done our d5 flaps for less than 200! Was around 120 for flap assembly and gasket from Volvo and I had a set of injector gaskets in my garage. Volvo recommend to change pipes and injector brackets but I never changed them along with many people and have had no bother. Ask for a quote from a driveway mechanic also ... All in I was around 4 hours in total. I did take my manifold off and steam clean it at my work though.

[Tannaton]

The thing you need first and foremost is honest garage....

- Actuator rod failing is not a certain prediction of the flaps failing in a months time...

- If he says he can't access the ECU on newer models it's most likely because he is (illegally) using a clone version of VIDA rather than the paid up subscription.

None of what you have said makes me think it's time you should change if you don't want to...

[Odysseus]

I had swirl flaps replaced on my 62 plate Executive by a Volvo indy (IVS - Letchworth) using genuine Volvo parts for about £500. Your garage is ripping you off if they’re quoting you £900 for the same thing.

There are no doubt many virtues of a newer XC90 but you’ll lose plenty more in depreciation than the cost of an occasional repair to your existing car.

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by JonWill

Hi all, a long time since my last post... Due to many miles of carefree motoring... However it seems that time may be drawing to a close...

I have just had to have the actuator rod replaced, not in itself too pricey, but my independent garage tells me that this is a precursor to needing to replace all the manifold flaps at a likely cost of around £900, and this is likely to happen in the next few months.



Jon

Honestly, they are talking Bolleaux.

Out of interest, how much did they charge you to sort the arm out?

[JonWill]

Thanks for the replies... I've been using these guys for a decade with no problems...

Cost for the parts was £5, with an hour's labour (which is a bit pricey, but they've always been reliable). And I may have mis recalled the work they were warning of! .

They are able to read all codes on my current xc90, but said they struggled with a new one... Eg on changing the discs at the rear, they couldn't reset the system to register the new discs. Apparently they have a similar issue with chrysler.

But if the upshot is that I should stick with the current wheels, then I am very happy...

J

[S60D5-185]

Originally Posted by JonWill

Thanks for the replies... I've been using these guys for a decade with no problems...

Cost for the parts was £5, with an hour's labour (which is a bit pricey, but they've always been reliable). And I may have mis recalled the work they were warning of! .

They are able to read all codes on my current xc90, but said they struggled with a new one... Eg on changing the discs at the rear, they couldn't reset the system to register the new discs. Apparently they have a similar issue with chrysler.

But if the upshot is that I should stick with the current wheels, then I am very happy...

J

An hour to clip a new arm on is unbelievable unless of course they have used the Volvo repair kit to sort out your existing one..

[oragex]

Some places may start milking an old customer at some point. Sometimes they may start suggesting more and more repairs, so the customer gives up and sells them the car for not much - they fix it easily and make a good profit.
As for the car, after 125k you may expect the repairs to happen more often and to be more costly.

[JonWill]

I hope the aren't starting on that route! Been honest in the past...

The dashboard light has come on again, and I checked with the garage, and the believe that the whole inlet manifold needs replacing along with the swirl flaps... but will check on Monday. How much should that cost? And is it likely necessary?

J

[S60D5-185]

Jon, if you see post 4 you will see that Odysseus paid £500 for the replacement of the swirl flaps using an Independent garage and genuine Volvo parts.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to why they would want to be replacing the whole manifold as well as the flaps?

The message may well have come on again because the swirl arm has become detached again. Have a look, check it.

I really would be getting it checked over elsewhere because at your mileage, the car should have loads of life left in it and if you still like it I would hang on to it.