I just bought my first Volvo, an 02 S60 with 50K. I love the car and it's in great shape, but at my first oil change, the dealer recommended a few service items that I would have NEVER considered on any of my older cars. Just wanted to get an opinion here.

Coolant Flush with Thermostat - The manual says that it should never be necessary, let alone already.

Engine Oil Flush - I've always thought that was just a waste of money as long as frequent oil changes were completed.

 

I would probably trust the manual. On a sidenote though, the thermostat is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace (at least on my V70 and Mitsu Eclipse). If you are going to do it, I wouldn't pay the dealer to do that.
I've never heard of doing an engine oil flush. I'm with you thinking that frequent oil changes should be sufficient.

 

As to the engine oil, you're absolutely right. As long as the oil + filter have been replaced regularly, engine flushing is a waste of money but that's just me and someone else may have different opinions/may know something I don't. If in doubt, run the engine with a full-synthetic for 3,000 to 5,000 miles; it'll clean out all the gunks & deposits in the engine.

As to the coolant, though, I would like to argue with the manual. The S60 was probably filled with life-time coolant at the assembly plant (I personally feel this is over exaggerated; 100,000 miles/10 years would be closer to reality and I still would replace it at every 50,000 miles/5 years but again that's just me[8D]). Even so, chemical breakdown in the coolant is inevitable over time & use. I would inspect the colour (green, red, blueor yellow), fluid level and freezing point with a coolant tester (only a few $$$ at auto parts shops) periodically.

Well, I am not a chemist and all the info above is what I would do. See if you can receive more replies and then decide what you'd like to do. However, I personally don't know of any life-time thermostat[8D].


JPN