BIG service: full payment? or start a service plan?

[Miyo360]

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice. I have a XC60 (MY15) with 124k miles on it and the car had it's 7th service last year at 114K miles. Service history is all Volvo.

According to the service schedule, I'm due the 8th service, which is a BIG ONE = major service + belts. My local dealer quoted £455 for just the service, and £1020 for service + belts.

The £455 price seems consistent with other dealers when I checked volvocars.com and went to "book a service".

However, paying out for the full job (plus I suspect I need a new battery) will mean a £1200 bill. I'm wondering whether a service plan is a good idea? (I understand the battery isn't covered in the plan).

Generating a 24-month service plan quote using the Volvo website gives a quote of £1511, which can be paid up front or monthly.

So £1511 - £1020 (upcoming service) = £491, which seems expensive for a minor 9th service. I know I'm protecting myself from prices increases, but the current average cost for a minor service is around £310-£350.

Am I missing something? Where is the value in the service plan? Also, is the belt-change actually included in the service plan if I bought it, or does it just cover the actual service?

Thanks in advance