this is my first post and i would love everyone's opinion. I have an excellently maintained 2006 S40 2.4i. I recently got to 105,000 and took it to the dealer ONLY because my terrific independent mechanic doesn't have VITA. The dealer charged $549.50 for the 105,000 service which they said was basically a 15,000 service without anything else. They said this includes a complimentary diagnostic on Vita. Like a complete idiot I trusted this meant that they would hook my car up to the computer and run codes as well as check for software updates. There had to be software updates since I hadn't been to a dealer since 60,000 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After 4 hours, which included the lunch hour, so I know that they most certainly did NOT perform $417 worth of labor on my car, they said:

- the computer said that the software was up to date
- they didn't run for codes - that would be an additional charge and hours of time. They basically lied and then refused to do what i came to them for in the first place.
- that 2 lightbulb batteries were out - cost to replace $75
- i needed rear brakes replaced for $566 despite that i just did this 2 yrs ago
- that i needed an emission cleaning for $429 despite that i regularly changed my oil per manufacturer's specs and there was no evidence that a cleaning was needed
- that i needed a transmission service for $449. I thought Volvo states that this is a lifetime item on this model of car?
- that i needed a new timing belt, serpentine belt and a/c belt at a cost of $950!
- that i needed a new battery at $318
- that i needed coolant, brake, power steering fluid flushes for a total of $289, $249, and $249 for each item.

So I paid them $509 and didn't have any of the above services because a) I was pissed that they didn't run for diagnostic codes, b) i was skeptical about some of what they said needed replacing and 3) I wasn't prepared to spend another $3574!!!!!!!!!!

So I went to my regular independent mechanic today and his volvo certified mechanic, who worked at volvo for 17 plus years, and he said:

1) i only had 1, not 2 license plate bulbs out - no charge to replace.
2) i didn't need the rear brake pads replaced
3) i didn't need an emissions service
4) i didn't need the transmission service

He will get back to me with a reasonable estimate for a new battery, timing belt and related items replacement, and three fluids flushing. He also said that he offers both Bosche and Napa financing - something the dealer did Not even mention even after I said that I didn't have the money they were asking for.

so please weigh in on what the dealer said, what you think i should do and how much you think it should cost. Thanks.

 

-If they checked for software updates, per the Volvo Service Advantage program, checking for fault codes takes no extra time since the car is already plugged into VIDA. If there are codes and you are experiencing problems, diagnostics may take time.

- If one license plate bulb is out, it is common to replace both. $75 is very high though.

-What are the measurements of the rear brake pads? Volvo recommends replacement at 2 to 3mm thickness. If you are at 3mm, perhaps your mechanic told you you don't need them because he wants to make the dealer look bad. Also, did he check the inner pads? It is common for the inner to wear more sometimes, which may be missed by quickly peeking in behind the wheel.

-I have no idea what an "emission cleaning" is.

-Volvo does not have a service interval for the transmission fluid unless the car is used for towing. Some dealerships recommend replacement of the fluid anyway.

-Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years or 37,500 miles. Coolant should be tested and flushed as needed. Power steering flushes are a rip off.

-The timing belt is due at 120,000 miles. Your mechanic didn't mention that, so maybe he isn't as honest as you think. It is common to replace e the two drive belts at the same time.

-That price for a battery is outrageous.

-Dealerships don't offer financing for repairs.

 

Hi there and thank you so much for responding! This is so helpful. I researched the volvo timing belt issue and it said 105,000. I would rather wait until 120,000! i've never had the brake fluid flushed. i need to check that again. coolant has always been checked but it was never needed. it is needed now they said. thanks for the confirmation on transmission - my mechanic said that this wasn't needed and since i have never had transmission problems... the rear brake measurements according to my mechanic are 5. that's why he said it isn't needed. shame on the dealer who didn't even tell me that.

Again thank you!!!!

 

The service writer's job is to make an assessment of how much money you have and how gullible you are. The service writer determined you were an easy mark. I think my favorite was the $249 power steering flush. $15 of fluid and 15 minutes. Assuming they would actually do it at all, which I doubt.

Congratulations on not falling for any of it. Except, of course the $549 oil change.

I don't know how such people can live with themselves. They are scum.

 

I couldn't agree more although i should clarify that i got them to mark the bill down 15% and they also changed the cabin filter and it did take 1.5 hours to diagnose the car manually, for what that's worth. I am going to write a letter to Volvo NA, not that they are going to care. When the car was still under warranty i tried to deal with them and a bad dealer and they wouldn't get involved.

 

Yeah, for those of us that are used to changing the oil by paying for the oil and putting it in ourselves, having a dealer charge north of $250 for the same "service" is a shock, and when we MUST go to the dealer, the sticker shock can be near terminal.

There is a method to their madness, however. They have a gleaming shop filled with union employees that must be supported and a customer base that bought a luxury car and expects this level of pricing.

 

can i post the name of the dealer. i couldn't find that in the forum rules?

 

Please do

 

Eagle Volvo in Riverhead, NY