Volvo maintenance cost vs Japanese cars

peejayz

Any Volvo owners here? Is it really expensive to maintain especially a used one compared to a Honda? Trying to decide between a 2004 V70 XC or a 2005 Honda Pilot

stickguy

Yes it can be. Look for solid maintenance records, and get a good PPI by a Volvo expert. The AWD system in that vintage is a particular, and expensive, trouble spot. I like Volvo’s, but would only get a FWD one.

Though pilots of that vintage can fall pray to transmission issues, so make sure that gets checked.

Mr_Shiftright

Most parts would certainly be more expensive. As stickguy says, don't buy anything without a PPI. One major component failure could total that Volvo.

peejayz

Thank you shiftguy & Mr_Shiftright. The guy I'm in contact with his Volvo on Craigslist has all the maintenance records he said. Done all the major maintenance including timing belt, brakes, etc... but I'm hiring a Volvo mechanic to check it out first. I've heard concerns about the tranny on both. Both are pretty much at 130K miles for $4K-$5K. He actually just drove the Volvo from SF to Vegas & back, where he's moving. Either he sells it here or he takes it with him.

peejayz

PPI? Payment Protection Insurance? Is that done through a dealer, owner or Craigslist?

stickguy

pre purchase inspection. What you are hiring the Volvo expert to do.

peejayz

Nevermind. my brother in law just told duh. Basically what I'm doing already LOL Thanks again