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Volvo XC90 brakes and rotors replaced much too often!
I've been in some version of a Volvo since I inherited my parents brick-colored sedan in high school. It was a tank, ran forever and kept me safe and protected. Years later I bought a new black Volvo sedan. In 2006 with a hubby and two kids, I decided that I could graduate to the SUV. Feeling like I'd made a fantastically safe and practical decision, I drive my silver XC90 to work and on road trips. It's not the fanciest nor sexiest vehicle, but I feel my family is safe.
Hard working folks should not have huge budget surprises like my Volvo SUV has turned into. Little did I know what I was getting myself into when I made this purchase. When I took it into the Culver City dealer for my 30,000 mile service yesterday, I found out that my Volvo XC90 needed it's second replacement rotors and brake pads. I'd already been through this expense at 17,000 miles, much to my surprise. I'd never heard of needing to replace brake pads and rotors at 17,000.
Now, at 30,000 miles the local dealer's service department told me I needed another set at a cost of $1,000. CRAZY!
I have friends driving a Toyota or a Honda that rarely require maintenance or repairs. Volvo is an expensive vehicle to buy and it gets you every time you visit the service department and all repairs are expensive. It's disappointing to say the least.
Hard working folks should not have huge budget surprises like my Volvo SUV has turned into. Little did I know what I was getting myself into when I made this purchase. When I took it into the Culver City dealer for my 30,000 mile service yesterday, I found out that my Volvo XC90 needed it's second replacement rotors and brake pads. I'd already been through this expense at 17,000 miles, much to my surprise. I'd never heard of needing to replace brake pads and rotors at 17,000.
Now, at 30,000 miles the local dealer's service department told me I needed another set at a cost of $1,000. CRAZY!
I have friends driving a Toyota or a Honda that rarely require maintenance or repairs. Volvo is an expensive vehicle to buy and it gets you every time you visit the service department and all repairs are expensive. It's disappointing to say the least.
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If I were you, I'd be sure the dealer is telling the truth. Check them yourself. If they are telling the truth, check your driving habits.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Volvo's use soft pads that dissapate heat very well in order to retain excellent braking ability. XC90 weighs 4500lbs but brakes like a 3500lb car.
I think you meant "inversely proportional."
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I have my Volvo serviced regularly and have had minimal problems with it. There were a couple of recall repairs, which seems to be the norm for just about any new vehicle nowadays. I have had absolutely no brake-related problems. While my mileage is on the low side for a 6 1/2 year old vehicle, I would consider myself a "mildly aggressive" driver.
In short, no brake-related problems on my original vintage XC90.
Brake wear is dependant on driving style, weight, and type of driving. If you do a lot of stop/start/local driving with a heavy foot, you are going to have to do brakes more often than someone who does 100 miles on the highway each day.
Wife drives the car on country roads in curvey hilly PA. I think it is a combo of the driving style and the higher braking power = faster wear.
Just got back from a trip and screamed, well had a very terse, discussion with the service manager this morning so we'll see...otherwise we love the car.
Pricey, but with maintenance and repair these days, it doesn't sound too awful.
For reference, just paid $425 to have my front brakes (rotors/pads/sensor) done at my independent mechanic ('06 BMW). And, he's cheap!
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Volvo has lost their credibility if this is the norm as the best cars built on the road. No way will we buy another one if we are going to be hit with bills this high for simple things every year.