Hi everyone, a loyal Lexus fan here who is seriously considering replacing his 01' GS430 for either an 06 or 07 V70. Have a second child on the way, and quite frankly, bored to tears with the Lexus. Plus, sick and tired of having to buy the cow, when all I need is the milk (ie entire control arm for a worn out bushing). This is my second Lexus, previous was a 95' LS400, spent way too much money on it.

Anyway, I don't know a lot about these cars. But, I do know the #1 thing to do before buying a car, is to ask the experts like you guys and gals! What I'm curious about is the following (and anything else you can think to warn me on):

I see the timing belt thread - same apply to the 06-07 models?

Does the turbo make a huge difference in the car? And, are they reliable?

I'm a shade-tree mechanic. I try to do all of my own work, including replacing suspension components, cleaning throttle bodies, plugs, fluids, etc....is the Volvo pretty easy to work on?

Is the CPO warranty worth a darn to get? I'm looking at a 06 T5 with 65k miles, certified. The "certified" is appealing, but only if it's actually useful, or grounds for the run-around when needed.

If the timing belt proceedure is to be done at 70k, I'm thinking of makng that a requirement of a purchase. Anything else I should require at that mileage? You see lots of Lexus V8's for sale in the 90-100k window, simply because folks don't want to spend the $1,500+ for the timing belt service (that lovely Lexus premium).

Anything specific I should look out for, or other advice from the experts! I'm really attracted to Volvo because of the huge loyalty it has developed over the many years. You guys/gals love your Volvos!!!

Thanks everyone!
NC'

 

The Volvo CPO program is pretty amazing. It has long coverage and covers most things that other CPO programs offer short term coverage for. I had a suspension link replaced without question. No hassle.

That being said, don't confuse Volvo maintenance costs with Honda maintenance costs or Ford maintenance costs. Our dealers are known to charge premium prices and "suggest" services that Volvo doesn't call for.

The timing belt per owner's manual on my 06 2.5t is 105K unless I'm in California or something where its 150K. Why? I don't know.

The engine is inline 5, so plugs aren't too bad. The turbo and its pipes, hoses, etc., is on the back side of the block, so don't plan on any easy work there. But it sure makes the car move nicely, especially at lower rpms which is somewhat unusual for turbocharging.

And, the oil filter is a cartridge type, not a spin on. Why? Ask Volvo. Replacement is complicated by this set up.

The rear seating isn't exactly limo-like, but its fine for kids and their seats. Mine has built in booster seats (although my kids are long past needing them) which I wish I'd have had when the kids were younger.

Study the threads here (along with the S60 ones since mechanically the cars are identical) and you'll get some idea of the quirks and weaknesses. One thing you'll probably want to do is change trans fluid if that hasn't been done recently. Do not flush it, its a multi drain and refill operation.

Your biggest decision, in my opinion, is AWD or FWD. I'm in Michigan and there's only been a very few days I wish I had AWD like I do on my Pilot and CRV. AWD has a "bevel drive" that requires extra service, and those with 10+ year old ones sometimes decide to simply disconnect the thing to avoid an expensive replacement. As I recall, too, there is a non-removeable/replaceable bushing on some part of the suspension.

One final note. If you're an Ipod maniac, there is apparently no good source for aftermarket hook up. I've been looking without success.

 

Thanks Malaka! It sounds like Volvo & Lexus are similiar in their pricey ways of service at a dealership, and I'd expect the service costs to be higher on a Volvo than a Honda or Ford. I'm ok with that, so long as we're dealing with a premium automaker, not a glossy version of something else, like Lexus to Toyota / Acura to Honda / Infiniti to Nissan. I buy these parts at a Lexus premium, and they come in a Toyota box. Heck, the local Toyota dealership charges me an extra $15 to change the oil in the lexus, even though it's the same filter and oil as most other Toyota badged cars. Getting a little tired of it...

I drove an 06 2.4 this past weekend, it was nice. I'm looking at a different model with leather and sunroof, non-turbo, 06' with 50k miles "certified". It's white with tan interior. Granted, nothing is quite as smooth and quiet as a Toyota, but the Volvo isn't all that bad either. Definetly can feel the engine more. I was pleasantly suprised at the pep of 170hp in such a large car. I haven't driven a turbo model yet, not quite sure i want to take a turbo on as a used car either. I like the idea, but fearful of not knowing what the previous owner did (or did not) do to the car.

Can anyone think of anything I should require as a condition of the purchase? I see some software update information on this site about the transmission and such. Should I (or do I) need to require it be done to an 06' V70 automatic?

I'm also curious about the motor mounts. I talked to one of the mechanics at the dealership about the mounts. He said the lower mounts are hydrolic and never fail. The upper mount is the one that fails around 60k the most. Now, I've been told "mounts don't fail" before, and know from previous experience that a pair of new mounts make all the difference in the world to a car's smoothness of operations. Anything out of the ordinary on replacing engine mounts on the Volvo?

And finally....if a person uses genuine oem parts, but does the services/repairs himself....does he void out the certified warranty? For example, was told that as long as I use oem filters, i could do the oil changes myself... smells a little fishy, but not sure. I'm a Mobile 1 fan, and like to change the oil myself to make sure bolts are overly tightened, etc... I'm familiar with the cartridge type filter. Our former 07 Mazda 3 GT (2.3 engine) was this way. I believe that car shared parts/setup as the smaller Volvo does? All I know is that little sedan had a great ride to it, and many said it's because of Volvo's input on the frame setup! Miss that little car sometimes!

 

Oil changes. You've hit the hot button there. Your problem with DIY, no matter what parts and oil you use, is that its your burden to prove that oil changes were done timely if some oil-fed part breaks. Because of that (and remember Volvo is changing hands from Ford to Geely or somesuch Chinese company) there is not assurance that whoever is paying will believe you. Sure, you save your receipts and such, but was it put into the Volvo? At least the filter is Volvo-specific.

My V70 is white with the same leather seats. Oddly, they are not dirt magnets. Yes, the engine in ours 'rumbles' a bit more than the Honda Pilot's V6 and more than my brother's Avalon (don't ask!).

With the CPO, the trans is covered, the motor mounts are covered, most everything except paint, glass, body panel adjustment, is covered. Zero deductible. Up to 100K miles or 6 years from in service date. You might wish to negotiate a trans fluid change since despite Volvo's suggestion that such is never needed, the cautious and careful here recommend it at about 50K. Ditto for coolant which Volvo thinks doesn't need regular replacement either. Sure..... Brake fluid replacement, too. Maybe you don't mind making a mess, but I'm too old for that now.