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Volvo reliability?
We're looking at buying a new Volvo V-70 wagon. It's at the top of our list right now because of its safety, comfort, and power. But I hear mixed things about Volvo reliability. I'm coming off almost 15 years of Toyota ownership, so I'm used to having my car in the shop for mechanical problems about every--well, basically, never.
Volvo lovers or haters--any comments??
Volvo lovers or haters--any comments??
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Like you, I have found Volvos to be attractive to me. I have a recollection that many years ago, Volvo was synonymous with reliability and quality. Somewhere along the way, the reputation decreased to a point where Volvo was no longer a true leader in those areas, but certainly could hold its own. I find it hard to justify the European cost factor in view of other vehicles of equal quality from domestic and other sources. It is a hard call. If a person just wants a Volvo, perhaps they should go buy one. Does such a purchase require stringent justification? Awe, heck, I'll meet you at the dealership. We both need one!
If you have the money to plunk down on a Volvo, you have the same money to consider a Lexus or Acura. Both are more reliable than Volvo.
I remember I rode in one Volvo many years ago and it felt like riding in a tank. Sorry, but there are better choices.
Compared the required scheduled maintenance to other cars, not to mention part and labor cost!
I owned one and that was one too many!
I would suggest an Accord or Acura. You won't have the long term costs of service. Other good choices are the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Subaru Legacy or Nissan Maxima. The Infiniti and Lexus also have some outstanding vehicles.
JR
I recommend renting one for a week or so, then decide on your purchase. I didn't think of this option at the time...............now I am stuck with a car I really dislike! Never again.............!
design flaws?
build quality?
dealer attitude/competence?
2. Do complaints about reliability extend to all current models?
S40/V40
S60/V70
S80
Go with the Volvo. There is a reason why they are the best selling european wagons in the States...
Transmission, driveshafts, bevel gears, door panels, door locks, rear seat belt, CD player, various interior switches replaced all due to failure. Numerous trips to the dealer to have the computer reprogrammed to cure a sudden drop in RPM. Also have had numerous fit and finish problems with things like the rear leather coming undone as well as a multitude of rattles. The vehicle has also had a large number of 'campaigns' performed on it. The dealer has been fine to deal with (why not they have made $$$$ on warranty with this car) but VCNA was very difficult to deal with when it came time to get them to replace the tranny. After three years and many days in the shop I have had the oppurtunity to drive many examples of all the Volvo models as service loaners. Some of these cars for up to a month and only one of the dozen or so didn't have a glaring or multitude of defects. The S80 T6 I drove for a month had strange electric gremlins. For example half of the instruments would work but the other did not, then suddenly they all work again. One time the sunroof would not close until the car was shutdown and locked. Strange stuff. Perhaps the 02's are better but I would stay away from the previous gen S/V70's and the first two years of the S80. My lease is up here in less than two months and based upon the reliability experience and the lack of customer service on the part of Volvo corporate I just cannot see myself ever owning another.
1. Plastic door panels on both sides cracked down middle. Fortunately replaced under warranty. However, Controls on Radio are cracking (different material. Door plastic cracking in different places. Outside of warranty. Right side door trim will not stay on. Had to dealer 4X's can't get fixed.
2. Glove box rattled. Finally fixed after two requests.
3. Driver rear view mirror has wind noise. Still does, dealer said could not duplicate.
4. Throttle box had to be replaced. Prior to replacement car went from 35 mph to 10 mph without warning. Dealer said followed mfg recommendations and reloaded software. Next day after service identical problem. At that point replaced throttle box.
5. Front end sounds like it is falling off when hits a bump. Took in to fix, replaced o-rings and bushing did not fix. Of course, they did not figure it out I did when I drove off lot. Still don't know what is wrong, they are going to try and figure it out.
6. So far I have had to replace light bulbs ($15 per shot) 4X's. This is more than I have had to replace lights in every car I have owned since I was 16. I'm 41 now.
7. Oxygen sensor I have had to replace 2X's I believe.
Just word of warning: Vehicle maintance is high. 30K maintainance $500.00. Car should last 250,000 miles if spend that much every 30K.
time, and life, have ways of changing you. one year ago, my wife and two young children were involved in a very serious accident with an oil tanker. i found out the hard way that our reliable toyota camry, which we bought after the volvo test drive, wasn't the safest place to be in such a precarious situation. though they all are now doing well, i consider that event a milestone in my life, to be sure.
when i walked into the volvo dealership a few weeks later, it was only with the mind set that i get a very safe car for my family; i was far from sold on the marque's reliability after my test drive from years before. it would be an understatement to say that the dealership was great; before, during, and after the sale. they have managed to exceed my expectations of them in practically every way.
our s60 is nearly faultless. at almost 30k miles already, its only repair, other than scheduled 7500 mile services, was to a loose glove box door. that's it, the lone defect since the car was delivered. my records show that it's been about 8% more expensive to maintain so far than the camry was, and worth every dime.
i'm changed. converted. sold. we hope to take delivery of a v70 in early summer through volvo's european delivery program to replace my car.
PS. In my opinion BMW 3 series is a way better car
Find the car you like and are comfortable driving FIRST, and then check out the safety stats. I think you'll find many comparable automobiles, and all have different driving characteristics--one of which might suit you more than others.
Renting the car, that's a good idea.
However, you don't want the car in the shop sucking the dough from your wallet. I've had great reliability w/my Volvo so far. I'm having a prob with the cat or O2 sensors, but that's about it for the past few years, and it's a '96 w/75k on the clock. It drives better than the Honda/Toyotas I've driven with similar mileage, which means something to me.
It's interesting to note that, in my experience, lots of Volvo owners "graduate" to Bimmers after either not really liking the Volvos or just wanting to move to a BMW. I agree with kulfon, a Bimmer is a better car, and I like Audis alot too.
/javadoc
Swedes were always good at producing safe cars, they improved greatly in appearance dept. yet performance is a unknown word in Swedish dictionary. And reliability is the thing of the past.
Sure VWs reliability has gone to S .but can this manufacturer be considered German, with bulk of its cars produced in Africa & southern/central Americas!
The new A4 Avant is sweet, best awd in the industry, yet it is only matter of time when they will start making them in Mexico or Brazil ( too bad)
Scott
Our next one will be back in the BMW line or possibly an Audi A6
Do you think this would be a good move for Ford? Obviously, putting that many Volvo components into the "mainstream" should lessen the costs of repairs, parts, and maintenance.