Service Issues: - Bother with authorised Volvo dealer?

morgan · Mar 15th, 2007, 07:41

I have a 4-year old (June 03) XC90, out of warranty needing 60K service.

Question is:

Is it worth going to a main dealer and going through the 'shock and awe' of that cost just to keep the authorised Volvo FSH?

I'm happy enough with the quality of work and customer service of my local stealers (like this word) just wanted some independent advice.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers.

cootuk · Mar 15th, 2007, 07:52

It depends how long you plan to keep it and what the cost differential is.

kulkool1 · Mar 15th, 2007, 11:42

Hi,
I had mine serviced (4yr old XC90) from an independent volvo specialist who did a very good job and at half the price. He’d worked for volvo for about 20 years and had serviced several XC90 in the past one from new. Also rather than just replace the front brake pads he advised that they had about 4k miles left in them and to come back and have them done later. A main dealer would have probably just said they need replacing. The guys based in Guiseley, West Yorkshire if its any good.

Kul

morgan · Mar 15th, 2007, 13:45

I don't yet know the cost differential from main dealer because I haven't yet got a quote from independent Volvo specialist. Main dealer wants £340 inc. VAT for service. Tyres I would get done elsewhere anyway - needs 2 maybe 3 new ones. I'm not aware that there is anything wrong elsewhere on the car, but it does need a service.

I've noted the recommendations elsewhere on the forum regarding independent Volvo specialists in my area and will contact a couple for quotes.

I do intend to keep and cherish the car for another couple of years (much as I'd love a new 'un or a Sport) so I suppose my question is:

"When I sell it, how important is it to a potential buyer that it has FSH stamps from a Volvo main dealer in its service book or is it irrelevant once the car is of a certain age OR are an independent Volvo specialist's credentials just as good".

GMcL · Mar 15th, 2007, 13:56

Personally I think once a car is five years and older it's more important to have a load of paperwork (services, tyres, exhausts, timing belts, etc...) confirming what has been done rather than a stamp in a booklet.

You'll find you can get a better price for the car too as the evidence is there for all to see.

kulkool1 · Mar 15th, 2007, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMcL

Personally I think once a car is five years and older it's more important to have a load of paperwork (services, tyres, exhausts, timing belts, etc...) confirming what has been done rather than a stamp in a booklet.

You'll find you can get a better price for the car too as the evidence is there for all to see.

I'd agree with that - paper trail will mean far more than stamped service book.

morgan · Mar 16th, 2007, 16:16

Thanks for the feedback and advice all.

Mar 15th, 2007, 07:41	#1
morgan New Member Last Online: Oct 31st, 2023 12:19 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coventry	Bother with authorised Volvo dealer? I have a 4-year old (June 03) XC90, out of warranty needing 60K service. Question is: Is it worth going to a main dealer and going through the 'shock and awe' of that cost just to keep the authorised Volvo FSH? I'm happy enough with the quality of work and customer service of my local stealers (like this word) just wanted some independent advice. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

Mar 15th, 2007, 07:52	#2
cootuk Premier Member Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2013 20:52 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: bradford	It depends how long you plan to keep it and what the cost differential is.

Mar 15th, 2007, 11:42	#3
kulkool1 New Member Last Online: Oct 17th, 2011 12:23 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leeds	Hi, I had mine serviced (4yr old XC90) from an independent volvo specialist who did a very good job and at half the price. He’d worked for volvo for about 20 years and had serviced several XC90 in the past one from new. Also rather than just replace the front brake pads he advised that they had about 4k miles left in them and to come back and have them done later. A main dealer would have probably just said they need replacing. The guys based in Guiseley, West Yorkshire if its any good. Kul

Mar 15th, 2007, 13:45	#4
morgan New Member Last Online: Oct 31st, 2023 12:19 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coventry	I don't yet know the cost differential from main dealer because I haven't yet got a quote from independent Volvo specialist. Main dealer wants £340 inc. VAT for service. Tyres I would get done elsewhere anyway - needs 2 maybe 3 new ones. I'm not aware that there is anything wrong elsewhere on the car, but it does need a service. I've noted the recommendations elsewhere on the forum regarding independent Volvo specialists in my area and will contact a couple for quotes. I do intend to keep and cherish the car for another couple of years (much as I'd love a new 'un or a Sport) so I suppose my question is: "When I sell it, how important is it to a potential buyer that it has FSH stamps from a Volvo main dealer in its service book or is it irrelevant once the car is of a certain age OR are an independent Volvo specialist's credentials just as good".

Mar 15th, 2007, 13:56	#5
GMcL 0's and 1's Last Online: Yesterday 19:16 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: -	Personally I think once a car is five years and older it's more important to have a load of paperwork (services, tyres, exhausts, timing belts, etc...) confirming what has been done rather than a stamp in a booklet. You'll find you can get a better price for the car too as the evidence is there for all to see.

Mar 16th, 2007, 16:16	#7
morgan New Member Last Online: Oct 31st, 2023 12:19 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Coventry	Thanks for the feedback and advice all.

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