Are Volvos Expensive to Maintain?
January 18, 2023

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
Most luxury cars are known for their top-tier performance and luxurious features. Unfortunately, these cars are also prone to experiencing issues and are not always reliable. This is why many buyers are worried about their vehicle's maintenance and repair costs.
Since 1927, Volvo, a Swedish car manufacturer, has been known for its high quality and safety, which is why they are trendy among luxury car buyers. But are Volvos expensive to maintain?
Although Volvo cars are known for their high maintenance and repair costs, you might be surprised by how affordable they are compared to other luxury brands such as Cadillac and BMW.
The article covers all there is to know about Volvo maintenance costs and answers the question, are Volvos expensive to maintain?
Table of Contents
Are Volvos Reliable?
Most people wouldn't consider it a luxury brand regarding reliability. However, Volvo can still be considered one of the most reliable car brands in the industry.
For this reason, we asked the experts at RepairPal if Volvo is reliable. According to them, the company has a score of 3.5 out of 5 and an Above Average rating.
This means that it is among the top 17 car brands in the industry regarding reliability.
The experts at RepairPal use a three-factor system to evaluate a car's reliability, which includes the frequency of repairs, the average cost of repairs, and the severity of the issue.
The average cost of repairs for a Volvo is around $769 annually. This is about a hundred dollars more expensive than the national average for all models.
Volvo cars get around 0.5 visits per year, which is significantly better than other luxury brands. This means that owners of these cars get to keep their vehicles running longer.
The probability of major repairs is 9% for Volvo cars. Only 9% of the vehicle's repairs are considered severe.
This is a huge win for Volvo, as the overall average for all brands and models is around 12%.
Although the annual repair cost for Volvo isn't surprising, it doesn't imply that the brand could be more reliable.
Since major repairs are likely to happen within the national average, and the average number of visits per year is significantly better than other luxury brands, Volvo is still considered a reliable vehicle manufacturer.
Are Volvos Expensive to Maintain?
Volvo cars come with varying maintenance costs depending on their model. For instance, if your grandpa has an old Volvo sedan, its maintenance costs are significantly different from those of a newer model like the XC60 SUV.
In this section, we'll talk about the maintenance and repair costs associated with some of the most popular models sold by Volvo.
Volvo XC90 Maintenance Costs
The Volvo XC90 was very well-received by consumers and critics. It has a score of 3.5 out of 5 and an ownership cost of $851. This is significantly costlier than the luxury SUVs sold by other brands.
The Volvo XC90 is one of the most expensive models to maintain. It has an average of around 0.6 visits per year and an 11% probability of major repairs. This is one of the most expensive cars to maintain.
Volvo XC60 Maintenance Costs
The Volvo XC60 is a popular model due to its robust and luxurious cabin, generous cargo, and good looks.
It has a reliable rating of 4.0 out of 5 from RepairPal. The average cost of repairs for an unscheduled service is around $746 for the XC60 owners.
Although the cost of repairs for the Volvo XC60 is higher than the average, it's still significantly cheaper to maintain than other luxury brands.
The average number of visits to a mechanic for the vehicle is approximately 0.5 times a year, compared to 0.6 for the other brands.
Also, only 7% of the repairs for Volvo are considered severe, which is significantly lower than the rate for all vehicle models.
Volvo S80 Maintenance Costs
The Volvo S60 is a solid alternative to more expensive luxury cars. It has a reliable rating of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, and its annual cost of repairs is around $750.
The Volvo S80 is another solid alternative to expensive luxury cars. Its owners are more likely to bring their vehicle to the mechanic around 0.5 times a year, which is lower than the average for luxury cars. Its repair severity also significantly lowers compared to other vehicle models.
How to Minimize Your Volvo's Expenses?
Volvo cars are typically expensive to maintain. However, there are ways to cut expenses through various perks and redemption features.
Volvo's Maintenance Program
Like other car brands, Volvo provides its customers with a factory-fixed maintenance program that includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary service.
Volvo also offers a prepaid maintenance plan that can help you save up to 20% on your vehicle's upkeep expenses.
The company has different plans for different vehicle models. For instance, if you have a newer Volvo, you can get up to seven years of complimentary service with two, three, or seven maintenance services.
Customers can get three, five, or seven services for older models every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Volvo cars are very dependable, so they don't break down often like other vehicle models.
According to a study by RepairPal, cars will not have issues if you follow a regular maintenance schedule.
Don't Make Repairs at the Official Dealership
If your warranty has expired, wait to get your vehicle repaired at the company's official dealership.
Instead, try visiting a garage that's certified to handle Volvo repairs. You can also save money by purchasing parts from salvage yards or online stores.
Are Volvos Expensive to Repair?
Compared to other vehicle models, Volvo cars are typically more expensive to repair.
Due to their luxury status, they have higher costs associated with their maintenance and parts.
Volvos are luxury cars. These cars come with more standard features than their lower-trim counterparts.
They also provide a better driving experience. These cars are made using high-quality materials and do not compromise the car's overall appearance.
Luxury cars, including those made by Volvos, command a higher resale value.
These high-end models come with hefty price tags, and their parts are typically more expensive than those found in other cars, such as Toyotas and Hondas.
Also, some Volvo cars come equipped with special software, which can be very expensive.
Volvo cars are more expensive to repair due to their luxury status. The Swedish company provides a lifetime warranty on certain defective parts.
The Most Reliable Volvo Models
Volvo cars are known for being the most reliable in the market. They're also less expensive to buy than used cars.
1. Volvo C30 T5
The cost of maintaining a Volvo C30 T5 is around $550, depending on the dealer or service provider.
However, this figure can increase as the car ages. The price of this vehicle could range from $25,000 to $25,500.
2. Volvo 700/900
This is another reliable Volvo car. The average annual cost of a Volvo 700/900 vehicle repair is around $769.
This figure can be affected by various factors, such as the model and the age of the vehicle. The price of the car is between $25,000 to $30,000.
3. Volvo XC90
This is one of the most reliable Volvo models available. It costs about $40,000.
Are Volvos Good Cars?
Volvo cars are known for being reliable and safe. Over the years, the company has improved its design. However, the problems that can occur can be costly to fix.
1. Safety
For decades, Volvo has been able to market itself as the safest car in the world. This has been due to the company's commitment to making sure that its customers are protected.
Today's models feature the latest driver-assistance technology, which can help improve the safety level even further.
However, the company also manufactures cars with solid structural components, which allows them to perform well in crash tests.
2. Engine
Since its inception, Volvo has been able to offer various engine options. Some of these include diesel and gas models designed to meet different lifestyles.
The company's current line-up also features engines designed to help improve the environment. For instance, it now offers both electric and hybrid models.
3. Rust and Body
It's hard to find many people talking about the corrosion issue in Volvo cars. It's believed that the body can endure the effects of corrosion for many years.
Volvo cars are known for being built according to the strictest quality standards. All new models come with a 12-year/unlimited mileage warranty. This is significantly better than the offerings from other automakers.
4. Features and Technology
Volvo cars are also known for being equipped with the latest technology. Many models are even ahead of their time when it comes to features.
The interior of Volvo cars is similar to that of other luxury brands, such as BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.
Volvo has it whether you're looking for an entertainment system, navigation, or driver-assistance technology.
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