Are Volvos Expensive To Maintain?- Busting The Myth!
Volvo seems to lose the debate against German cars when it comes to maintenance costs, but the reality is far from what you’ve been fed. Everyone knows how reliable Volvo cars are, and the reliability comes with fewer maintenance jobs. But, the question might not leave your head, Are Volvos expensive to maintain?
The average cost to maintain a Volvo car is around $770, whereas other car brands cost $450-$500 yearly. The cost varies depending on the car model, regular maintenance, condition, and other factors. Volvo parts are more expensive, but due to their durability, they don’t require frequent replacement.
In this article, I’ll break down the maintenance cost of a Volvo car and share some insights on how you can cut down the cost.
Are Volvos Expensive To Maintain?- A Rational Overview
Every time you reach out to someone before buying a Volvo, you’re expected to hear people’s frustration on how expensive Volvo cars are to maintain. But, let me reassure you, either they’re doing it wrong, or they never even owned a Volvo.
The yearly maintenance cost includes a lot of things and also depends on a lot of factors. It includes the cost of changing oil, tires, cabin air filters, spark plugs, fuel filters, and occasionally paints.
Another form of maintenance includes major parts replacement in case of old cars or accidents.
Despite Volvo being so durable, you might need to spend more to maintain your Volvo car to reduce the chance of parts replacement. Here’s the real catch, as you’re spending more on yearly maintenance, you’re saving money from the costlier replacement jobs.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain A Volvo Yearly?- Maintenance Cost Breakdown
If you have a newer model of Volvo (2016 or later), and kept it in good condition, you might need to spend around $700 yearly for maintenance.
It can be more or less depending on how well you’re driving the car and avoiding major accidents.
I tried to break down the most common maintenance costs below.
Volvo Oil Change Cost
Volvo oil replacement cost ranges from $75 to $130 depending on the amount and quality of the oil. The cost also varies depending on the service provider. It’s recommended that you change your oil after 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Volvo Tire Replacement Cost
Volvo factory-made tires are known for their reliability. But, it’s safe to replace your tires every 4,000 miles. Volvo tire replacement cost ranges from $200 to $350 per tire.
Volvo Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost
Volvo cabin air filter replacement cost ranges from $100 to $150. It’s important to replace the cabin air filter to have a good driving experience. I’d recommend changing the filter after every 15,000 miles.
Volvo Spark Plug Cost
Volvo spark plugs cost $200-$230 depending on the service provider and quality of the plug. Spark plugs should be included in your routine maintenance as it is more susceptible to damage. Volvo recommends changing the spark plug after 50,000 miles.
Volvo Fuel Filter Replacement Cost
Fuel filter replacement cost ranges from $100 to $140 in a Volvo car. Remember to change your fuel filter after every 30,000 miles. A clogged or worn-out fuel filter may lead to damage to the engine.
Volvo Brake Pad Replacement Cost
You need to replace your brake pads and rotors after driving around 25,000 to 40,000 miles depending on the condition of the pads. Volvo brake pad replacement costs around $150 to $250 per axle.
Volvo Battery Replacement Cost
Volvo has offered lifetime battery replacement promises to newer vehicle models. If that offer does not cover your Volvo car, you might need to spend $200 to $400 depending on the battery quality, size, and technology.
Volvo Paint Cost
Volvo paints are much more expensive than other car brands’ paint jobs. You can expect to pay between $1000 to $5000 depending on the quality of the paint and color.
How Much Does Volvo Parts Replacement Cost?
Volvo parts are much more expensive than other non-luxury brand cars. Any major part replacement will cost you a fortune. Volvo offers lifetime part replacement for some essential parts if not damaged in accidents.
The best way to save money is to buy genuine Volvo spare parts. They’ll cost you a lot lesser and provide the same quality and comfort.
How Much Does A Volvo Engine Cost?
Volvo engines are extremely reliable. It’s quite hard to find damaged Volvo engines in regular usage. But, due to major accidents and older vehicles, you might need to replace the engine.
A standard Volvo engine cost ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the dealer, engine capacity, and labor cost.
Do Volvo Cars Require Frequent Maintenance?
The good news is Volvo cars don’t require frequent maintenance. The Volvo reliability rating is quite high and the annual maintenance is around 0.5 time.
High reliability and endurance give users the confidence to go for Volvo cars despite higher maintenance costs. So, whether it’s a XC60, XC90 or an S80, you can expect top-tier durability
Tips To Cut Down Volvo Maintenance Cost
Volvo offers multiple programs and offers that can bring down the maintenance cost by a healthy margin. Here are some tips to save you some extra cash.
How To Get The Best Out Of Your Warranty
Utilizing your warranty deals is the best way to keep your maintenance cost low. Volvo provides a warranty for many parts, even for a lifetime. Keep your eyes on your warranty period and go for the free routine servicing.
Volvo Maintenance Program
Volvo provides free maintenance to owners for 3 years or 36,000 miles. You should go for routine checkups during this period.
Once this expires, you can subscribe to multiple maintenance programs for 2, 3, or 7 years. This will save up to 20% of the cost.
Avoid Dealers For Maintenance
Dealers may provide you with lucrative offers, but it’s always better to go to an experienced, renowned workshop for regular maintenance work. They can offer the work for less money.
Take Care Of Your Car Regularly
The best thing is to take care of your car and drive safely. Regular maintenance can save you from unexpected expenditures. Don’t put extra stress on your engine.
Conclusion
Volvo has a higher reliability rating than other brands. But, there’s always a question about the annual maintenance cost of Volvo cars. So, Are Volvos expensive to maintain?
Well, Volvos are definitely more expensive to maintain than other non-luxury brands. At the same time, Volvo cars are less prone to damage. By doing the right things at the right time, you can bring down the cost and enjoy a smoother journey with your Volvo.
