Thank you in advance for answering my question. I have just purchased a 2002 c70 ht convertible with 41K miles. Read alot of reviews on the car and realize they have some problems but all cars do. I talked to the original owner as well as talked to and requested a copy of all service records from dealership where the car was purchased and serviced. I have those records in my glovebox. Also carried the car to an independent service garage and paid them to check out the car. No visible problems. Dealership put on 4 new tires and sent it to an independent volvo specialist in Raleigh, NC to have them to check the alternator because battery went dead 2x's. Kept the car for two days and said that it revolved around the mirror light not being turned off when visor is closed. My question is should I buy an extended warranty? If so from whom, the dealer or an online warranty site. I have never owned aq volvo and even though I realllly like the car, the repair cost could be astronomical. Please respond asap. Thanks, Jen

 

I have a policy when it comes to extended warranties on anything. I DON'T BUY THEM. They are there for the seller to make money, otherwise they would not sell them. If you have trouble you will fight with them as to whether the problem is covered or not. I figure by never buying them some day something will come along and I will wish I had one, but by never buying one, I will be money ahead in the long run. For some reason though I did buy one last fall on a big screen LCD rear projection TV, but it was a package deal where I got a real good price with the EW included. I bet it's a real steep price for one on a C70 convertible. It's a call you have to make, but I gave you my opinion. When my Dad was a commisioned salesman, he made more selling EW's than he did on regular commision. They are almost pure profit for the seller.

By the way I'm 57 years old, so I have made plenty of purchases and so far I have never said I wish I had an EW.

 

Agreed do not buy an extended warranty. They are a waste of money and are only for the seller to make money. That is how most places make their money is on extended warranties.

 

I really like the 02 c70 convertible and do not regret buying it but with all that I have heard about foreign car repairs, I am a little scared. That is the reason that I bought a volvo because I have always heard that they are the most reliable and the safest cars on the highways. I really do not believe in EW either but since this is my first foreign car, I thought that I might need to hedge the bet. In your experience with volvo's what should I expect maintenance wise? I am **** about 3K mile oil change, tire rotation, etc as was the previous owner. Anything that you can tell me about a volvo, I would really appreciate the info. What are some items that seem to give alot of problems on the 2002 c70 convertible? Do the tops give alot of problems? How about the battery? Does the turbo engine give alot of problems and what are some preventative maintenance tips that I need to know so I can keep the car running. My guidebook states that I can use regular fuel but should I use a higher octane? Should I have my mechanic to use regular oil or a synthetic oil? Should I have coolants flushed periodically? As you can tell, I need to know what to do for my car to keep it running and happy. Thanks, jen

 

I really like the 02 c70 convertible and do not regret buying it but with all that I have heard about foreign car repairs, I am a little scared. That is the reason that I bought a volvo because I have always heard that they are the most reliable and the safest cars on the highways. I really do not believe in EW either but since this is my first foreign car, I thought that I might need to hedge the bet. In your experience with volvo's what should I expect maintenance wise? I am **** about 3K mile oil change, tire rotation, etc as was the previous owner. Anything that you can tell me about a volvo, I would really appreciate the info. What are some items that seem to give alot of problems on the 2002 c70 convertible? Do the tops give alot of problems? How about the battery? Does the turbo engine give alot of problems and what are some preventative maintenance tips that I need to know so I can keep the car running. My guidebook states that I can use regular fuel but should I use a higher octane? Should I have my mechanic to use regular oil or a synthetic oil? Should I have coolants flushed periodically? As you can tell, I need to know what to do for my car to keep it running and happy. Thanks, jen

 

I use regular gas, and others use higher octane. I use regular 10W30 oil, and others use synthetic. The main thing you want is a mechanic that knows Volvo's! Do NOT trust this car to regular mechanic that says he can work on Volvo's. You NEED a Volvo mechanic. As far as things to lookout for, you can search this forum and find answers to that. Remember though quite a few people come here because they have problems. There are a few of us that just like to talk about cars and will be here even when we aren't having problems, but look for problems that recur. The C70 is a great car, but they are touchy and need the proper care, that's why you need a Volvo mechanic.

 

Extended warranty is similar to purchasing collision coverage for your auto. Nice if you have need for the service but the amount of money that you will save over years will buy you a new auto! Just remember, you are buying a USED auto.............it is not new and WILL require repairs in the near future...............it is a USED auto. I use synthetic oil and change it at 5,000 miles along with a Volvo filter. I change my brake fluid every year. Every two years have the VOLVO dealer change your transmission fluid and antifreeze. Be forwarned that the transmission fluid that your auto takes is a Volvo fluid that is not sold on the market unless you purchase it from Mobil. I am assuming that you have the Asin-Warner transmission.............I have forgotten what year the Volvo is that you are looking at. As JimK mentioned, individuals email with their problems but on the whole, the vehicles are quite nice but DO REQUIRE regular scheduled maintenance............unlike an American auto.
Reg.

 

Thanks for the input

 

You are welcome! I use the dealer to service the transmission as disposing 9 to 11 quarts of used trans fluid is not worth the hassle. Likewise the coolant. In the "old" days we simply let it drain down the driveway to the sewer............times have changed. I flush my brakes using a pressure bleeder and use ATE Super Blue and rotate it with ATE gold fluid. That way you know when ALL the old brake fluid is flushed. If you have purchased an older c70 beware of the window regulators.................very, very, very costly. I had mine lubricated at the dealer. I brought him a can of cycle synthetic chain lube. I suppose you could remove the door panels yourself but I simply do not have the time. Lastly, for those who paid Volvo to clean their ETMs, such as I did as a preventitive measure, Volvo is reimbursing you for that service. It is true............I have a cheque in hand!

REG