I've owned 13 used Volvos, some in the 15-year-old range. They're well-engineered at a reasonable price. My experience boils down to a few rules:
1) fix things that break right away -- don't let issues pile up
2) use the extensive DIY resources now available -- sites like this, YouTubes, online parts vendors, pick 'n pull & online salvage, EBay
3) invest in a Volvo-specific OBD-II scanner -- VIDA / DiCE being the best -- can save you $thousands over a period of years
4) keep records of maintenance spending -- that way you'll know total cost of ownership, and when to cut your losses
The mindset is the same one airlines use to keep a jet-plane in service for 30-40 years....never defer maintenance.
2013 XC70 T6 Flamenco Red (hers)
2015 XC70 T6 Seashell Metallic (his)
past: 13 Volvos going back to '74 242 sedan
Bookmarks