I was wondering if it was worth putting the money into my 2015 Volvo V60 for the 120,000 mile maintenance I never got the 105,000 because I was unaware such a thing existed. I am wondering what this involves and a ballpark estimate of the cost, my local dealer is telling me around 1,600 dollars but every time the car goes into the dealership it comes back with another different mechanical problem, which is starting to frustrate the hell out of me. I had a serpentine belt put in yesterday and today there is a noise coming from the brakes that wasn't there before the car went in for a repair. I really don't want to buy a new car especially not in the economic environment I think the smart move is to fix this car but I can't keep dumping a thousand here five hundred there. So I would like an informed opinion on whether the couple grand this is most likely going to cost.

 

Here's the factory maintenance schedule for a 2015 V60. It doesn't show a 105K just 110 and 120K Some of the intervals are different by engine code - example this says for the I5s the timing belt is due at 120K miles for the I4s its due at 150K. some engines get new spark plugs at 120K, the I5s get them at 140K. This also shows replacing the air filter, fuel filter etc.

https://volvornt.harte-hanks.com/man...chedule-v1.pdf

The dealer will do all the inspections and tests as noted - if you go to an indy mechanic you can ask for a general inspection (leaks etc) and then use the schedule to say what to service - ie oil/filter, air filter, fuel filter (maybe, if your car has one...), cabin air filter (you can do this yourself), spark plugs etc. If your car is the 5 cylinder, then its time to bite the bullet and do the timing belt...

 

Just a few things come to my mind.
1) You say " I can't keep dumping a thousand here five hundred there." I understand, BUT, what are your alternatives?
a) Buying a used car to replace yours will simply have you changing the car you are "dumping " money into.
b) Buying a new car will reduce repair costs to zero for a while but your payments will undoubtedly outstrip your repair costs. (Unless you pay cash for the new car , but then you likely wouldn't wouldn't be complaining about repair costs.)
2) In my experience, an independent Volvo shop (i have used three) will deliver excellent service and a price slightly less that a dealership (I've used two). Also, the indy garages have all been very good about saying "This is still good, don't replace it yet" . They also get my cars out faster and without standing at a pay window and all the other little dealership irritants although none of them had what could be termed a "luxurious waiting room". And their loaner cars tend to be 30 YO Volvos that have clocked more miles than the International Space Station, and look it.

LASTLY, I have ended up in an unusual situation but it has been instructive. Sometime in the '90's my wife complained that, despite my maintenance, her car would occasionally have a problem. I got tired of complaints and we reached an agreement - her car would always go to the dealer and I would take care of our other cars. All complaints about her car would be directed to the dealership. Over the course of 3 cars for her I have spent a lot of money on "Service Intervals". She has had one actual breakdown (fried alternator) and 3 dead batteries (faulty circuit board for the bluetooth,an acknowledged factory flaw) . I have never heard one "It's your fault", "Come get me", "Is my car safe" etc. Hell, she even pays them for a Detail" once or twice a year. So in my case, Silence is, indeed, Golden, although it was my gold that payed for it.

I know there are plenty of people who will say that they did everything per the dealer and had horrible experiences but such has not been my case across 2 car brands and 3 cars. I really didn't care for any of the dealerships. Not one. Screwed me a few times? I'm sure they did. Provided safe, secure, essentially trouble free motoring? They really did and still take care of my wife's car. I suspect it has been cheaper than "couples counseling" as well.

 

+1. Just because you had a $500 repair two months ago and a $1000 repair this month doesn't mean you will have another big repair next month :-) A 2015 car with 120K miles is probably mid point in its life cycle. To note, I care for three cars a 2000 S40 with 140K miles (son's daily driver), a 2004 Highlander with 220K miles (still going strong) and a 2012 VW CC with 100K miles. At any given point one will need some servicing or repairs but not of them make me nervous about taking on a long trip or leaving me stranded. A 2015 would be a new car to me :-)
BTW, those adages about selling a car at 100K were started years ago for American cars with poor reliability track records. New cars are designed with better tolerances and components so overall their reliability and longevity are way better than the prior generation. Past two cars I've sold both had 250K+ miles (an 850T wagon and an Audi Quattro) and I wish I had kept both.