I've heard parts for Volvos, or any other European car for that matter are significantly more than those for domestic cars, or even asian cars. Obviously, it depends on the part, and whether it is a genuine volvo part or aftermarket part, but anyone have an idea of just how much more you expect to spend on average to replace parts in a volvo versus that of a domestic? 10%? 50%? 200%? If it does depend greatly on the part, which parts are usually a lot more (engine, tranny?), versus those that are not much if any more (belts, plugs?)?

 

Here is a good site to compare with.
FCPgroton.com

 

It also depends if you do the work yourself or if some else does the work.

 

Markup on OEM parts seems about the same to me. The problem (at least for my S80) is there just aren't that many aftermarket/third-party parts available. Volvo also uses software updates as a way of holding your car hostage, forcing you to pay exorbitant dealer labor rates to do simple things like installing a different radio. So you may find yourself in a situation with few choices: pay their premium or do without.

 

I've owned Hondas and Mitsubishis' and I can tell you that Volvo dealer prices are on par with the other 2. Now TECH posted a link for FCP.Grotton.com. Their prices are def. WAY cheaper than dealer prices and also parts store prices, PLUS with a minimum of 150 bucks, they offer free shipping. I think most people on this forum and a few other Euro forums also use that site since theiy back their parts 200% and of course the bottom line is cheap!.... So I would say compare a few parts on that site, call the dealer for a price, then go to like pepboys,etc.. and see for your self... I will tell you that on my 850, I won't visit the dealer when I can get the parts my self sometimes more than half off (respectively) and have them shipped to me.

 

Rockauto.com is another one to check out.

I find that it really depends on the model Volvo you're talking about. Anything Pre 1998 is going to have a mark up at the parts store. On-line is pretty much the only place to get parts anymore IMO.

 

Also check out pelicanparts.com

 

Don't you think it really varies among Domestic cars? I don't if it's still the case or not, but I know at one time maintaining a Cadillac costs way more than maintaining a Chevrolet. So what domestic car are you going to compare to a Volvo?

 

that's a good point. Back in the day, Cadillac used more expensive GM parts than Chevy did. Higher amperage alternators, bigger radiators, heavier duty springs and shocks. It's all the same these days but back in the day there was a definate quality difference.

If I had to compare Volvo to a domestic name i guess i'd go with Lincon. I know it's still owned by Ford but those new MKS's are pretty sweet.

 

Buy a battery for an S80 at the Volvo dealer then go buy a Bosch for same at Pep Boys for $89. Only difference between the two is the Volvo logo. Yet most people will think the OEM one is better because it's more expensive, go figure.

 

True, and the thing is.... Who's making the OEM battery! It's not Volvo. It could be made by Interstate and because they put a different sticker, the same battery is jacked up 100 bucks at the Stealership and "it's a better battery" because you bought it from them! That's what cracks me up...