Myth or Truth - Volvos are expensive to maintain

[Snoopy88]

I am looking at a 2004 XC90 2.5T with 78,000 miles and I would like to know how much owners of the 2.5T model spend on average annually for repairs.

I have heard that Volvos are expensive to maintain, but looking at some cost estimates (I cannot remember which website I looked at), the average repaid cost for a XC90 is between a similar year Sienna and Odyssey. I also looked at the True Delta Reliability Comparison study by MKaresh, but it does not provide a model breakdown. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[hfwilkesjr]

I purchased a 2005 XC90 2.5t AWD and I found this site helpful, http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2003-to-2010-volvo-xc90-2
In hindsight, I feel that their prices are exaggerated. For example, I just had a front brake job done and it was $400, the pads and rotors were replaced with OEM parts.

This is our third of four Volvos, we were Honda people. We switched because we feel the ride, reliability (providing you pick a known trouble free one, like an XC90 2.5t), and ease of maintenance (I do my own minor maintenance) are superior.

Our mechanic recommended a 2006, I wanted a 2003-4. We have an 05, and I must say we love this trucky wagon! Oh yeah, get a 7passenger if possible.[thumbup]

[Snoopy88]

I want to expand my initial question to include all Volvos. In your experience compared to other makes are Volvos more or less expensive to maintain?

Cost to maintain a vehicle can be broken into 2 main categories - 1) Frequency of repairs, 2) Cost of parts (there is a 3rd which is Labor, but I see the labor component as being dependent on the first 2). Any experience on either of these categories is appreciated. Thanks again!

PS. @hfwilkesjr, Thanks for your reply. It is very helpful! We are looking at Siennas and Odysseys because we need at least a 6 person capacity.

[Pinstripe]

My oil change costs the same as did my VW. Brake pads were average price. Timing belt was ~ $225. In the 2 years/50k KM (35k miles) since we bought it, nothing has broken or required an extra trip to the mechanic.

[Volvodownunder]

Whilst the original thread to this topic is quite old - I have owned various Volvo vehicles over the past 35 years and found that if they are serviced according to the handbook the eventual cost of ownership is around the same as for comparable vehicles. My current 2006 xc90 2.5T purchased new in 2007 has cost me around averaged out over that period around
A$1000 per year including 2 sets of Michelin tyres and a battery. We also have a 2008 S40 sedan that is also serviced according to the handbook and again service costs have been around the same as for comparable vehicle, tyres and battery being the only other cost.

[gwee]

My old man has a 98 Volvo S-70 with 10K miles. The 10K dealer maintenance set him back about $200.

[Hydral1k]

Generally, I've seen the parts cost more as it is a foreign made car, parts generally made in Sweden and Europe, but they claim very little maintenance is needed.