Is it time to get rid of my xc60?
 

Hi
First time posting here but looking for the knowledge of experienced owners.

I’ve got a 64 plate XC60 D4 Rdesign which has the 5 cylinder Diesel engine.
I’ve owned it for 3.5 years and put 60k miles on it in that time so it now has 107k miles on it.
It feels like I’ve spent a lot on it in that time, broken springs, new radiator, 2 sets of tyres due to alignment issues, etc

It’s now due it’s timing belt change, along with service and this week the bonnet sensor has stopped working so it thinks the bonnet is open when it’s firmly closed.

I’ve not owned a Volvo before so have no idea if these problems are typical and given mileage now an concerned at what could come next. The auto gearbox can be a bit lumpy at times too.

What should I expect to pay for a good Volvo independent (any recommendations for one near Chester would be helpful) for the timing belt, service and bonnet sensor?

And, would you be looking to move it on or is it typical xc60 issues?

Thanks for your help

These aren’t really “issues”…

Tyres are wear & tear items, as are the belts. The springs are also wear & tear items & its not surprising that they need to be replaced with the state of UK roads.

A full service would be around £300 at an independent garage. A minor service which is basically just an oil change would be around £200.

The cam belt, auxiliary belt & auxiliary belt tensioner (these should be replaced on a cam belt service) plus fitting would be another £250-£300. Prices vary that much that its hard to give specific prices as such, but I reckon you’ll be looking at £500-£600 for this work to be done (service, all the belts & tensioner). This is based on going to an independent Volvo Specialist. A dealership would be probably be £800-£1000 easy, maybe even more. Obviously, double check pricing before they carry out any works. This is just to give you an approximate idea.

I’m not sure how much the bonnet sensor is, but I don’t think that’s a drastic repair & should be an easy for a garage.

Add up the cost of all the repairs and a service - its unlikely that totalled up they come to more than a couple or three monthly payments on the purchase of a similar new car, so the financial argument for sticking is fairly clear cut.

The other argument is one of hassle - only you know if the time and grief of having repairs done is out weighing the cost of simply replacing it. In your position Id be quite happy to keep the old girl, and age wise mine is much further down the line than yours.

Of course, you may simply want a new car and are trying to think of a means of justifying it. If thats the case just go buy one and stop trying to come up with a watertight reason, because there isn't one. Just do it because you want to.

That's the million dollar question & only you can really answer that.

From where I'm sitting, I see you've spent money on general wear & tear items... I don't see them as "issues". Its not like you've had a major mechanical breakdown (or maybe you have & didn't specify). Tyres & springs fail... it doesn't really matter what car you've got. Tyres need replacing at some point, as do suspension parts.

The car has over 100k on it... I see these as typical running costs. The older the car gets & the higher the mileage, the likelihood of things needing attention. If you don't want that, then maybe you should be looking at a newer car with much less miles?

Although, your monthly payments on a newer car would far outweigh what you're spending on repairs now & the newer car you buy will inevitably need repairs at some point in the future too, but how long is a piece of string? Newer isn't always better. Sometimes you're better off sticking with what you know.

Many thanks for the replies.

I’m definitely not looking to change the car if I can avoid it. Just conscious of the amount of items I’ve had to pay for and concerned about what may be around the corner.

I understand what you mean, but unfortunately, its hard to predict that.

Volvo’s are capable of mammoth miles, with maintenance of course. So keep your servicing up, get the timing belt changed (as well as the auxiliary belt & auxiliary belt tensioner) & you’ll have peace of mind that there’s good/new belts running the main engine components.

The downside to these cars, in my opinion, is suspension parts. Being big & heavy, these parts do wear & at over 100k, I’d suspect suspension work may be needed (Control arms, track rod ends… things like that). Tyres are another thing to consider.

I would suggest getting the transmission fluid changed (if its an auto) to prolong the life of the transmission.

Keep it....

A rear spring on mine went around 130k, oh and a stop light bulb and the windscreen washer jet got blocked but that's it from getting it at 98k it's now done over 140k.

The autobox will likely need a fluid change and a software update - this will improve it and will cost £250-£300. That might seem steep but if you had a manual you would be looking at £1,000+ for a clutch at circa 150k miles.

Land Rover owners would sell their toes for a maintenance record like that...

Next year I need, new belt kit, set of tyres, major service, drop links, gearbox oil change. Hopefully nothing then for a couple of years. Still cheaper than three months payments.