Volvo reliability?

[stevel0923]

I am in the process of purchasing a MY03 XC70 and I am debating about purchasing extended protection.

My basic question to the community is how reliable are Volvos? Do they break down frequently? Do they have expensive repair records? Do you have to baby your car or can you just perform routine maintenance to keep them going?

When I read the different forums on this website as well as other sites, I get mixed reviews. The fact that Consumer Report gives Volvos an average rating for reliability doesn't help either.

Besides being the safest car on the road, should I expect problems in the future?

[coastal]

IIRC, Consumer Reports just upgraded the Cross Country to Recommended status. I think they had problems with the first generation (MY 2000 and earlier).

That said, I'll probably purchase an extended warranty regardless of how the car performs up to the day my warranty expires.. just for the peace of mind http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

So far, nothing's led me to think I'll have problems down the road, first 48,000K have been excellent.

[wiz]

stevel0923, the fact that CR gave the XC70 an average rating is a huge step up, believe it or not! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Previously, CR was advising its readers to stay clear of the car, now it's "recommended". If you think Volvo is bad, look at Audi, MB & BMW in that report - horrible!!

As a long time Volvo buyer, I would say to you that buying a car that is built well into Volvo's vehicle production cycle means that the car you get should be reliable. Volvo have a well deserved reputation for taking a year or two to iron out manufacturing problems with new models.

We bought (for the log-term) four months ago. We did not buy an extended warranty - we decided to wait - see how our particular car turned out - then think about a 3rd party warranty later (much less expensive than the Volvo warranties). The only really new thing on your car over the MY2002 is the AWD. They've been installing the Haldex on the S60 - you would hope they have it sorted... http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif

You can buy extended coverage now, but take a look at 3rd party coverage - others here have gone that route and seem to be satisfied.

[budrichard]

I purchased Volvo extended warrenty(120K miles/7 years) for my 99XC and have 69K miles on the vehicle and have only used the warrenty once. I have also purchased Volvo 100K/$200 deductable for my 03. I never purchase an extended warrenty on anythng else but with the cost of parts and labor these days, I felt better about doing it. I did remiind the dealer that he had his profit and so the warrenty and dealer installed items are at his cost or as close as I can get. -Dick