Are Volvos Expensive to Maintain? A Brief Discussion
Volvo is a Swedish luxury vehicle brand that manufactures SUVs, sedans, compact executive sedans, and station wagons. Are Volvos expensive to maintain? Since these are luxury vehicles, the maintenance expenses are likely to be higher than a standard Toyota or Honda. But what’s the estimation of the costs? Can everyone afford a Volvo in their garage?
Are Volvos Expensive to Maintain?
Volvos are generally considered to be reliable and well-built vehicles, which is why many people think that it will be expensive to maintain a Volvo, is this true? Typically, the average maintenance cost for the Volvo is around $769 per year. Compared to other luxury cars, we can see this figure is quite affordable. However, the exact amount will depend on several factors such as models, years, ages, and the specific maintenance needs of the drivers. We can say that in some models, the price of components and parts are almost on a par with those of other European luxury automobile brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
If you compare the prices with most standard US and Japanese vehicles, the prices are almost twice as much. Many Volvo car parts require specific software to run and the access fees of these programs are high.
Some systems and components that need the most maintenance are:
Electrical system
Volvo has done shoddy electrical wiring, leading to issues with various components, especially the taillights.
Timing belt
Do you want to get years of trouble-free driving from your prized Volvo car? Keep changing the serpentine belt and its accompanying idlers at due time. Ignoring this repair task may lead to the replacement or rebuilding of the engine.
However, most Volvo models have a non-interference motor that does not get affected when the serpentine belt gives way.
See more:
Front-end alignment
This is a sensitive issue for some Volvo models. If you forget to keep an eye, it may lead to rapid tire wear, noisy steering, and a bunch of other problems.
Other problems that you may face are a leaking sunroof or a cracked housing of the front turn signal.
Find the true cost of Volvos maintenance in this video:
Detailed Costs For Common Maintenance Services For Volvo Cars
- Oil change: The cost of an oil change for a Volvo can range from $80 to $120, depending on the type of oil used (conventional or synthetic) and the service provider.
- Brake pad replacement: The cost of replacing brake pads on a Volvo can range from $150 to $300 per axle. However, if additional brake components such as rotors or calipers need replacement, the cost can increase.
- Tire replacement: The cost of replacing a set of tires for a Volvo can vary based on the tire brand, size, and performance characteristics. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for a set of four tires, including installation.
- Battery replacement: The cost of replacing the battery in a Volvo can range from $150 to $300, depending on the battery type, size, and the service provider. Advanced features like start-stop technology may require a more expensive battery.
Please note that these are just a rough estimate and the correct prices will vary depending on your car and the car maintenance centers.
Some Ways to Curb the Expenses
Are Volvos expensive to maintain? Yes, they are. However, some redeeming features make the maintenance expenses somewhat tolerable.
Volvo’s maintenance program
The company offers a factory-scheduled maintenance program, which is an excellent complimentary service. It includes three complimentary maintenance services for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Then, you can purchase a Prepaid Maintenance Plan, saving up to 20% of the maintenance costs. However, the coverage level differs depending on the vehicle’s model year. For example, for the model year 2016 or newer Volvo vehicles, you can buy a plan with 2, 3, 5, or 7 maintenance services for up to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. For the model year 2015 or older, there are plans with 3, 5, and 7 services including inspection at every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Warranty and extended coverage
If your Volvo is still covered by its warranty, many maintenance and repair costs may be covered by the manufacturer. Additionally, some owners opt for extended warranty or service plans, which can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for maintenance.
High reliability
Volvos are highly reliable vehicles that don’t cause trouble if you don’t skimp on maintenance and repairs. Unlike cars from many other brands, they won’t suddenly break down and demand exorbitant repair work to run again.
Avoiding dealership
Taking a dealership service is always expensive. Rather, you can be a little strategic and look for garages that provide specialized Volvo services. It’s also a good idea to do some maintenance at home if you have adequate mechanical skills. Buying parts from online shops or salvage yards will also cut the cost. However, be careful as doing these things may void the warranty.
Regular maintenance
Some drivers also assume that regular maintenance will be costly, however, the truth is adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule for your Volvo will help you prolong the longevity and performance of your car as well as reduce the expensive costs for serious damage repairs. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and scheduled inspections, can help prevent major issues and costly repairs down the line.
In Conclusion
While Volvos may have higher maintenance costs compared to some other brands, they often come with advanced safety features and long-term reliability. It’s a good idea to research and compare maintenance costs, consider warranty coverage, and find a reputable Volvo specialist or authorized service center to help manage and minimize maintenance expenses.
