Dealer servicing quotes

[bobdabuilda]

Just spoken to two 'local' Volvo dealerships for a price quote on my year 3 service and MOT. I use the term 'local' loosely as they are both 40 miles away from the capital that doesn't even have a Volvo dealership!
Basically one quoted £280 and the other £270- this includes oil and filter change, pollen filter, sump plug and screenwash fill plus MOT. (note no fuel filter or air filter)

When I asked how much it would be discounted by, if I change my own pollen and air filters and supplied my own recommended spec oil........

One said they weren't sure if that was allowed but would 'guess' that it would only mean a £30 discount and the other asked me if I was sure that my oil was upto spec ...as wait for it.... only Castrol make the fully synthetic 0W 30 oil recommended for use in Volvos!

I explained that my oil is the exact recommended spec and I was told that he would have to get back to me with a quote as the computer wouldn't allow him to quote it separately. He also asked why I had bothered changing my air filter as it wasn't recommended on this service!

Now correct me if I am wrong but the practice of an annual air filter change, recommended or not, isn't going to damage the car is it?!!!!
At least this dealership agreed to reduce the cost to £170 with MOT if I supplied my own oil.

For comparison my local independent Volvo Specialist with 20+ years of experience quoted £60 inclusive of VAT to change the oil/filter and flush the engine and full volvo inspection service with me supplying the oil. Note no MOT.

So it's approximately £100 with very local independent vs £170 with the dealership plus approx £20 worth of fuel to get there and back.

Is it really worth forking out an extra £100 for the final 'within warranty' service or would it be better spent using the cash towards an independent warranty specialist bearing in mind the dreaded AWD problems everyone is having? If so then what warranty company is recommended as Volvo don't seem to offer extended warranties?

[Paul Wildsmith]

My advice is to stay welll in the dealer network until after warranty period. Consider a dealer like MRG of Chippenham who I've found on some services to be £100 less than others!

[Patrick lince]

Originally Posted by Paul Wildsmith

My advice is to stay welll in the dealer network until after warranty period. Consider a dealer like MRG of Chippenham who I've found on some services to be £100 less than others!

I do stick to a Volvo dealer, but know many other Volvo owners who use independents and save a fortune. If genuine Volvo parts are used, there is no requirement to use a Volvo dealer and your warranty is not invalidated. I am happy to pay the additional price and have a cheaper dealer than many other members on here, perhaps due to my local area being less affluent.