30th Apr 2009, 20:59

Volvo dealers are a complete rip off.

8th May 2009, 12:21

Yes, you are 100% percent correct.

The S70 with or without Turbo are outstanding vehicles. The problems with these Volvo cars are, the overpriced services and parts. The S70`s do have they scheduled required repairs with approximately 10000 Miles or 17000 Kilometers, examples are the problems with the Turbo or ABS system. Just check the different websites concerning problems with the Volvo S70 and their repair cost and with how many miles. Sorry for Volvo Lovers like myself or the Volvo Service Departments, but before I quit with Volvo maybe I have luck and find a good and cheaper repair shop instead of Volvo. My present Volvo is my third and maybe my last, the cars are not expensive for a high quality vehicle when purchase as second hand, but the service and replacement parts prices could drive you away from Volvo to another type of Auto Dealer.

VOLVO WORLDWIDE, think about it!!

S70Turbo

Germany.

5th Jul 2009, 19:36

I have a 1998 S70 T5 SE, 5 speed manual, with a ton of mods. (IPD stage 2, catback IPD exhaust, Koni FSD shocks, IPD sway bars and end links etc...)

I am not an automotive mechanic. I'm not even close. I happen to have a good understanding of mechanical systems, but I've never worked on cars much before my Volvo.

Google is a powerful tool though. I've had various issues with my car that would have been expensive to fix. I'll quote your list and show you what I did in each case. I don't work for or know anyone who works for any of these companies.

"Air conditioning failed at 79K miles, $850 repair."

I haven't had this issue myself, but I know the evaporators are known to fail at certain times in these cars. Volvo's cost is silly, but I researched it and found I could get one off eBay for around $120 USD if and when I need one. I don't know about the installation time on these at this time.

"Brake service at $70K miles, $750 repair."

I needed brakes myself. My rears were almost gone and the fronts well on their way. Fortunately, I got to them before the rotors needed replacing. I bought the performance semi-metallic front and rear pads from IPD, www.ipdusa.com, which set me back about $70 USD. A few dollars for brake fluid and I was set. I had to learn how to do a brake job and it took a couple hours, but I saved a ton of cash. FWIW: If I'd needed rotors, stock OEM ones are available through IPD for about $60 per front rotor and $45 per rear rotor.

"Antilock brake computer at 70K miles, $500 repair."

I had this exact issue. It was bloody dangerous too, because the ABS module would kick off randomly while driving, but only after initiating a self test that took about 2 seconds during which braking was severely compromised. The dealer wanted $800 for a Volvo OEM replacement unit. (My car has traction control.) The dealer also wanted about $500 for a rebuilt unit.

I went online and punched this exact search into Google:

Volvo s70 ABS module.

The very first link that came up was: http://www.bba-reman.com/content.aspx?content=volvo_abs_module_removal_instructions_repair

I got a replacement ABS module from them for about $120 after shipping. They have detailed instructions on their site for doing the repair yourself. It took me 90 minutes to swap out my module. Their replacement module has a lifetime warranty.

"Electric door lock at 40K miles, $250 repair."

The rear right door on my car had a dead electric lock when I bought the car. It was annoying because the locks are at the rear of the door, meaning you have to stretch all the way across the car to unlock it.

The dealer wanted about $250 to fix it. Not bloody likely. I went on eBay and got a used rear right power lock module for $20 out of a written off parts clearance sale. I was having the dealer do a few other things so I had them install it. Total cost - about $70.

"Leather upholstry delaminated at $40K, don't remember the cost."

Can't comment on this issue. My car has 230,000km on it and the leather is in decent shape. I do take care of it though. (Not saying you don't.)

"Indash lights for stereo went out at about 50K miles, too expensive to repair."

I have an aftermarket deck in my S70 but I know the lights in the factory decks have issues. I Googled this:

Volvo S70 stereo bulb.

The first link that came up was this: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo_radio_bulb_replacement.php

It has detailed instructions and pictures with part numbers and specs on how to fix this problem yourself for a whopping $4.00.

"Major service at 60K miles, cost over $1500 to replace timing belt, repair oil leak, front suspension repairs including ball joint, link arm, and other miscellaneous repairs.

Front suspension noise persisted and the dealer has not been able to find the problem or fix it. Gave up on trying to repair after 3 attempts. Mileage when I gave up is now... 80K miles. Noise is very annoying, but does not appear to impact safety or performance... but it clearly is not supposed to be there."

I don't have time to give a detailed listing of everything you mentioned above but here's where the problem likely lies. The "Upper Spring Seat". This is the rubber part that the top of the front strut clamps to. Volvo OEM seats use 35% recycled material in their manufacturing process, which is completely absurd. The recycled rubber doesn't properly vulcanise, and you end up with separation between the inner metal core and the outer section of the seat. This produces massive rattling issues. IPD have a heavy duty upper spring seat for $50. Get a pair of them. Go to www.ipdusa.com and type "front upper spring seat" into the search box.

Good luck... hope you enjoy your car. I absolutely love mine.