Hi, I just bought a 2004 S60 2.4 in excellent condition. The mechanic who inspected it said the only thing it needs is bushings, and they usually just replace the entire control arm. The estimate was $580.

The guy I bought it from is an independent used car broker, he just buys cars at the auction then sells them. He put new tires, as well as changing the timing belt before putting it up for sale (113K miles). He has a repair shop that he is affiliated with, doesn't own it but I believe they just discount for him. It may be his brother's shop. He said they could replace the control arms for me for under $400, and they will provide a warranty. They are not a Volvo certified shop, it's really almost a shade-tree mechanic shop. The guy said he wouldn't want them working on the engine or transmission, but that this is a simple suspension repair and no reason they can't do it properly.

This is my first Volvo, I know the maintenance on them is different from other cars. Is there any reason I wouldn't want these guys to replace the control arms?

Thanks!

 

To clarify, I meant is there a reason why I shouldn't trust a non-Volvo certified mechanic to replace the control arms - is there something tricky about it that would require the help of a Volvo-certified mechanic?

 

Doing something like that i would always look foir the best Price. Nothing special about the job just a PITA to do yourself. But like you said anything to do with the Engine or Trany stick to shops that know Volvos. GL