I have general questions about where to go for maintenance for a 2009 S60 after the dealership maintenance warrant expires.

1) Should all maintenance be done at the dealership?

2) Should it be done by an independent mechanic specializing in Volvo's.

3) Can a regular foreign car mechanic do most of the maintenance and repairs.

Are special tools and diagnostic equipment needed to work on the car? Is the car much more expensive to maintain than your typical Toyota or Nissan? Should genuine Volvo parts always be used?

Thanks, any help would be appreciated.

 

I've maintained my wife's myself. It has never been to a shop except to have tires changed, alignment, or rotation. I have done all oil changes, transmission fluid changes, spark plug change, fuel filter, cabin filter, air filter, etc. No special tools except a $3 funnel with extension and a $15 cup to remove oil filter.
I will have someone else do timing belt and PCV change at 120,000 miles...but I know I've saved myself time and money by doing as much as possible myself.

If you are uncomfortable working on it and you have a independent shop that specializes in Volvo's that's who I would go to. They will have all the tools needed to do the job and won't charge dealer rates.

 

Jeff, how many miles do you have on the clock? Volvos are more expensive to maintain than a Tyta or Nissan. For elec'l parts, I would prefer OEM. Check out FCP and other parts dealer online to compare prices. You have a newer car so I presume you won't be needing major service as of now. Just follow your owners manual for maintenance scheds.