v50 cost over £1000 so far this year

[Rowley010]

In repairs it had cost me over a grand so far this year and we are only half way through.

It's had:

Steering lock (which was over £500 due to Volvo software)
Reverse light switch
Start motor
Engine system service turned out to be oil level (again)
Brakes and discs on all 4 wheels.

Every time I think well I've spent the money now so might as well keep it, and also think well that's done so now surely nothing else will go wrong. But things keep happening but it's nearly £1200 so far and later in the year it needs it full service, mot, and an auxiliary drive belt. So assuming nothing else happens it will be pushing it near £2000 spent on it this year.

Time to get rid? Or is it worth keeping it going?

[Petey80]

Bit of a nightmare that. Mine has cost me half of that so far in repairs and servicing costs. Only had it since March.

What are your car details, mileage, year etc.

Have you had it long?

Depends on the above really. I plan on keeping mine for a good few years to come so will continue to pay for things that crop up.

When things like this happen I tend not to want to get rid of a car. When you've spent so much on it and have a good record of what has been replaced, I feel better the devil you know.

If you sell it to a garage or privately, someone could have a beaut car after you've just fixed everything.

[Rowley010]

It's a 2008 D5 SE with 137k on the clock. I've had it for 4 years almost and it had 76k when I got it. I've serviced it regularly and had everything repaired straight away and generally taken very good care of it.

In my opinion almost 140k and 9 years on any modern diesel, especially Volvo, that has been properly maintained shouldn't be having huge difficulties. It's not good for volvos reputation.

[Rowley010]

And that's what my point is. I could get it fixed and sell it and then it may be that nothing goes wrong with it for the next owner for 5 years and all they have to do is service it, after I've just spent nearly 2k on it. WHich is why I'm not rushing to get rid

[Petey80]

No, you should definitely keep it.

If it's a good car and I think you think it is after having it for almost 4 years, the issues you've fixed up to now won't [if ever] return [hopefully] in the years to come.

I got this feeling now and again with my last car that I had for 13 years. Sometime you have stints of happy motoring, other times the car tortures you and your wallet.

Keep it, fix it and be happy with the knowledge that it's well maintained.

[blacklab]

As a matter of interest, are these costs via a dealer?
Only asking as I use an indi and it turns out the dealer has service costs which aren't far off indi costs. Plus they do the updates in the service.
Have mot and service due and wondered if they are worth a punt but the v50 is 2005 so not 100% sure.
Mine has been a money pit but I like it.

[Bendolfc]

The other plus point for a dealer is they tend to do it properly and not neglect the little things like greasing the bonnet latch etc meaning the bonnet doesn't start trying to open itself at speed, they use genuine parts so you don't end up replacing the same wheel bearing 3 times, they don't suggest replacing an exhaust that has gone on to so a further 90k miles and dealer said will last the life of the car.

Plus when you include the breakdown cover the cost really isnt that much different to an independent "specialist".

Since mines been going to a dealer very little has gone wrong in the past 5 years or so.

Obviously depends on your dealer, I take mine to Kastner in Exeter and can't fault them at all.

[blacklab]

Oh yes, forgot about the breakdown cover! I was quoted around 180 for minor service and free collection but.......... it may need front discs and pads and was quoted 360! Nearly fell over!

If I was Rowley010 then I'd keep it as someone will have a good car.

[T5R92011]

Get rid and buy a late V70 circa 2005/2006 - change the oil regularly, look after it and it'll look after you.

Ford had no influence of the design of the P2 V70, so you don't get so many issues with them.

[Bloders2]

apart from the lock, which was 50% of the total bill, they are all "normal" service items. You have not had a failure.
These items (not sure about oil level) would be exactly the same on any car. so unless your going to sell it and buy a brand new car...