Are Volvo cars any good?

**hein** · September 7th, 2011 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by Unajack

i think used volvos are cheaper than BMWs and Benz'es because they're fuglier.

Actually, I like how the Volvos look.

You may not know it, but this Volvo was designed by the same guy who did the Merc S-Class, SL Coupe and the M-Class.

**cs_nognog** · January 27th, 2012 06:36 PM

I'm thinking of getting an 850, I've always liked Volvos, however I'm a bit apprehensive about the maintenance. Does it breakdown often, or is it simply that the parts are so expensive once it breaks down? Thanks!

**Mguy** · January 27th, 2012 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by cs_nognog

I'm thinking of getting an 850, I've always liked Volvos, however I'm a bit apprehensive about the maintenance. Does it breakdown often, or is it simply that the parts are so expensive once it breaks down? Thanks!

I asked this same question years ago. . . and someone suggested me not to buy it unless you want a big drain on your pockets.

**cripple_rooster** · January 30th, 2012 02:35 PM

Volvo cars are good, despite the poor aftersales support. But since they have a lot of mechanical and electrical components that are interchangeable with Ford and Mazda parts the maintenance becomes easier. I've already driven a '97 S40.

**esi94** · April 1st, 2012 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by cs_nognog

I'm thinking of getting an 850, I've always liked Volvos, however I'm a bit apprehensive about the maintenance. Does it breakdown often, or is it simply that the parts are so expensive once it breaks down? Thanks!

I had an 850 once. It was a very comfortable to ride. The fuel consumption was not bad at all. I was able to link up with another Volvo enthusiast Alex who had a shop in Visayas Ave in Quezon City. He maintained my car for me. He has his own sources for parts... although I also do buy online from FCP Groton.

Unfortunately, everything came to an end when Ondoy submerged my precious 850 almost completely. Only the headliner remained dry. When the flood subsided the next day, I was very very surprised when I opened my trunk which was submerged underwater for around 8 hours. The whole trunk was dry! The trunk carpet was dry and so were my tools. Water got in everywhere except the trunk. I don't know how this could have happened.

**cs_nognog** · April 4th, 2012 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by esi94

I had an 850 once. It was a very comfortable to ride. The fuel consumption was not bad at all. I was able to link up with another Volvo enthusiast Alex who had a shop in Visayas Ave in Quezon City. He maintained my car for me. He has his own sources for parts... although I also do buy online from FCP Groton.

Unfortunately, everything came to an end when Ondoy submerged my precious 850 almost completely. Only the headliner remained dry. When the flood subsided the next day, I was very very surprised when I opened my trunk which was submerged underwater for around 8 hours. The whole trunk was dry! The trunk carpet was dry and so were my tools. Water got in everywhere except the trunk. I don't know how this could have happened.

Dang, the poor 850

. I'm guessing it floated with the trunk up so that's why it was dry? So what happened to it?

Well, I'm pretty much smitten with my 850, in fact I'm even thinking of getting a T5 as well, not discussing it with the wife though for the sake of marital peace hehe.

Anyway, can I get the contact number of your friend Alex? I have contact already a former mechanic from Volvo, although it really helps to get second opinions from other technicians.

Thanks!

**cripple_rooster** · April 6th, 2012 01:35 PM

The current C30, S40 and V50 have many interchangeable parts with the Ford Focus since it has essentially the same floorpan.

**RakataK** · April 20th, 2012 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mguy

I asked this same question years ago. . . and someone suggested me not to buy it unless you want a big drain on your pockets.

change oil and oil filter cost 10k+; PMS not lower than 50K

**OTEP** · April 21st, 2012 01:44 PM

We just change the oil at shell and do the pms items with our mechanic. Most items on the pms are just inspect and adjust items. Hehe

**Cale** · April 27th, 2012 01:41 PM

For a major repair and maintenance i.e. CV axles on both sides and suspensions front and rear...yeah 50K but for a simple oil change cant be 10K. Oil filter cost around $ 3.94 and 4 Quartz of oil (10W-30 or 5W-30) cost around $ 15 to $ 25 plus labor. Assuming that parts are readily available there in PI, the most you can fork for an oil change, tops is 1500.00 Peso. Again its the parts availability that is a challenge. You need to have an aftermarket support for the volvo or any other european cars to bring the cost of maintenace down. Lets look at the japanese and korean counterpart, you have plenty of aftermarket parts keeping ownership of such vehicle not an issue or a headache.