15 months(11/14/14) ago I spent over $1,500 and had my entire exhaust system replaced..Today was my 75,000 mile check up i was told the catalytic converter has a leak and needs to be replaced...the dealer things i should be covered for a 2 year warranty but being that i had this done at a different volvo dealer they told me to contact them..anyone know if this should be covered, is there a 2yr warranty on parts?

 

$1500 won't get the whole exhaust system replaced. I doubt that included the cat. But yes, there was a 2 year parts warranty at that time. There is currently a lifetime warranty on parts replaced at a dealer.

 

the nightmare continues...So the dealer says I need a new catalytic converter as it is leaking, they quoted me $4,100 (These volvo dealers should go to jail)..I just brought the car to my local and he said I dont need a new catalytic converter, I need a new flex pipe, he sees it leaking from there...My question is, was the volvo dealer just trying to get me to spend $4100, or is my local guy wrong? can the problem be fixed w a new flex pipe?

 

The flex pipe is part of the cat. If an indy wants to pull the cat, cut off the flex pipe and weld a new one on, go for it. We don't mess with that kind of thing at the dealer.

 

Had my 2008 XC90 at the dealer today and it's the flex pipe leaking making the noise. They recommended a muffler shop to fix it for cheaper than they can. I am going going to take them out and weld on new flex pipes. If you have done this before -Any leads on where to buy the flex pipe and sizing?

 

Let us know how much the welding route cost. Thanks.

 

They are readily available in the aftermarket, so it should be something an exhaust shop is already very accustomed to replacing. They cost well under $100. My only advice is to go to a place that lives and dies by its reputation, not a chain. The longer it's been in business the better.

 

I have to say that $4100 for a catalytic converter is really quite spectacular. It takes about 30 minutes to do, so that must be $4050 for the part, eh?

 

They don't all take 30 minutes. I don't see where the OP said which engine he had. And if it takes 30 minutes, you charge 30 minutes? Shops go by book time. I'm not about to start charging .5 hr labor for 5 cylinder timing belts just because I can do them in that time.

 

Fyi-I just spoke with my local midas shop and they said the
Volvo dealer sends XC90's there and they have done many. Cost is a about $450 and I have to supply the oem volvo gaskets which run about $20. Not a bad price compared to the dealer alternative.

 

Probably still double what a non-chain exhaust shop would charge.

 

Anyone try the Davico units ? They run about $400-$450 for the xc90 3.2 on Ebay .