I mean for basic maintenance. Is it that important to have a Volvo mechanic do the basics. I have a friend who owns a garage and is very competent, he's been is biz for over 20 years. I want to have my tranny fluid changed and he can do it for 1/2 the price of the Volvo dealer. The dealer told me that an 850 is basically just drain and fill.

Should I save some money and go with my friend? I'll buy the Volvo tranny fluid myself.

 

Personally, I do all of the basic maintenance work (and some not so basic) myself. I see no reason why you cannot use any good, COMPETENT, mechanic that you TRUST! Better yet, if you have the means and desire, learn to do the work yourself. You will learn more about your car.

Just my .02

Glenn

 

I agree, COMPETENT & TRUSTED. If you can find that then you'll be OK.

 

plus if he is a true friend, I'm sure he'll help you out if you do it yourself and get in a bind...

 

+1 to everyone.

I'd like to add one item; is he an ASE-Certified Master Technician?

I myself do not believe in the number of years of experience but do believe in the number of hours. I remember one person who claimed he turned wrenches for 30+ years but did not know the basics.

If you have trust in your technician, then it should be fine.And if something goes wrong, he would be happy to compensate for his customers, right?


JPN

 

I had one guy do quite a bit of work on myVolvos and he does not like Volvos at all. He's a great mechanic though and figures out how to do things the right way. If he gets stuck he looks it up or goes directly to the Volvo Dealership mechanics and asks them. Just stay away from places like Goodyear and Midas. A competent mechanic can definitely work on these cars though.