Hi,

I bought a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Volvo S60 last year (Oct 2011) and its on warranty until 100,000 miles.

I need to do maintenance now and my dealer is charging me about $340.

When asked about what they do, they listed out
Oil and Filter change, Cabin air filter change, Tires rotation, Brakes, Body inspection, Software update, Road test and Oil Service light reset.

Is it necessary to do all of these to maintain my warranty ?

Can't I do usual maintenance with Walmart or Tires & lubes ???

Dealers are warning me that it might affect my warranty if I go for non-volvo based service centers. Is it true ???

Did anyone of you do service with non-volvo centers ? Did it affect your warranty ?


Thanks for any replies.

-
K

 

If this is an April Fool - ok, you got me.

But on the chance that it is a real question...

You need to read your warranty agreement carefully and see what it says about the maintenance.

If, after reading it over, you are still not sure, you might want to call Volvo Customer Service in NJ
and ask them.

If it does not require you to do the maint at a Volvo dealer, then you have choices.

Best choice, if you like working on cars, is do the maint yourself. This can save you lots of money over the years.

Next choice, find a good independent Volvo specialist to work on your car.
But ask them what they charge, some charge as much as a dealer.

I would not consider Walmart or other tire shops to work on the car.

If you have work done outside the dealership, you still need to have software updates
and recall work done at the dealership. And be sure to keep all receipts and keep good records
to prove the maint work was done.

 

Don't go to a Walmart or a tire place for maintenance. It is a safer bet to go to a dealer, Volvo specialist or doing work yourself.

 

Wally's World isn't going to know diddly about Volvo software. Ask your dealer what update and why? A lot of that may be free especially if its for emissions purposes.

Wally's World is probably going to be really stumped about Volvo oil filters, too. They aren't spin on/ spin off like your average Fram orange can. And, do you think they'll figure out how to remove the under-the-engine-compartment shield to even start the process?

Warranties can't force you to use dealer service. Except for warrantied repairs. But you do need receipts and some proof that the mechanic was licensed really helps if there is a dispute. Remember, you have a long warranty, so ask yourself if saving a few bucks is worth much. Besides, those "inspections" can net you some new parts you didn't even know you needed and probably didn't, but what the hell. I got new tie rod ends at 30K that way and expect new bushings at 60K just like most dealers try to sell all customers.