How to go broke owning a VOLVO. Cost of Ownership.

**AlbanyTrans** · 07.10.2012

Larry2903 -

Ok, so we've come to the conclusion that some dealers are good and some are bad. I get it. Maybe you're one of the lucky few who have had almost no trouble with your Volvo and thats great. I simply stated that I have had trouble with just getting parts ordered. Most of the time, repairs aren't as simple as just replacing a harness or a sender. By the way, did you try to repair that headlight harness instead of replace it? That's why I say again that trouble shooting is a dying art. Was it a rotten wire or a just a pin that was loose in the plug? That's what i'm up against, repairing instead of replacing. The vast majority of people have had serious problems and they're usually not as easy as simply replacing a component.

They ride like a Cadillac and that's great. When the odometer rolls over another mile and all kinds of lights and codes pop up and the truck loses power, it's frustrating. When you have to deal with incompetent people and fork over tons of cash for repairs, well, that's a whole other can of s***. I think the biggest problem is the technology that goes with these trucks. Imagine getting rid of all the computers and emissions crap, then they'd be great trucks and no one would be complaining. If all the dealers and repair shops welcomed you with a smile and could figure out and problems with no delay or bullcrap, no one would complain then either.

**larry2903** · 07.11.2012

AlbanyTrans,

No, I didn't try to diagnose the wiring harness before I replaced it. I did get my test light out and could see that I had a problem with the 12" harness. Did not try to figure out why, I'm not that good with diagnosing electrical problems. 12" harness, 34.00, 5 min. of my time , done. I kinda like simple.

**larry2903** · 07.11.2012

LBZ,

I'm not worried about resale. I believe I will be getting the good out of this unit, so I'm not to concerned with what someone else thinks it's worth when I'm done with it. It's the money it'll make me between now and then that I am looking at.

**Minder Kat** · 07.12.2012

Originally Posted by fireba11

I have the Cumminis engine that Nashville Cummins rebuilt a couple of years ago but for 90% of the repairs I take it to a local mechanic and they handle all the issues I have taken to them.

You seem to touch an issue here. Volvo trucks running Volvo engines are the source of accounting frustration. Volvo engines can only be serviced by Volvo dealerships, and Cummins engines can be serviced by Volvo dealership AND most decent non-volvo repair shops. Which leave the customer with CHOICE and thus a bargaining position, and thus less expensive repairs.

I am reading and hearing very positive feedback about Cummins ISX. I used to drive a Freighliner Argosy with a Cummins 525hp on a superlink combination (157 000 pounds) and never had any issues. Back then I was the driver only, so I know nothing about the cost to maintain it. Maybe that's the reason why I have no bad memories about it!

**Minder Kat** · 07.12.2012

Originally Posted by laurentiu1

A good number to call Volvo customer service 1-800-52-VOLVO.I had a problem years ago when a Volvo dealer in Cleveland charged me almost $1,100 to replace my starter and in the process they broke a $287 sensor and spent almost 7 hours on that starter.I had to pay to get my truck out but I called customer support and 2 weeks later I was paid back by the dealer $650.Had another problem in 2000 with a brand new Kenworth I bought.It had only 8 miles when I got it.After 1 year and a half of problems I got a lawyer and sued Kenworth.They took back the truck paid my lawyer and labeled it a lemon truck.Just don't let it go $$$ doesn't grow in trees.

Thank you for the advice. I am making work of it and I will post to this thread when I have an answer.

It seems as if talking about this and explaining my issues (read bitchin' and cussin') helped ME understand the issues at hand and I am in the process of taking this up with Volvo.

**sbaumann14** · 07.13.2012

I don't know... they would have asked me for $9500, I'd have told 'em to pound sand and went to get another truck. I only put down $10k on mine from Arrow truck sales 2 1/2 yrs ago, and my payments are only $1200 per month. She's been a great little truck so far, and she'll be paid off in Dec. I would have put a wrench across the battery terminals, gone and gotten a burger, taken the insurance money and been done with it

**jdmach77** · 08.25.2012

what we really need is more techs that are certified and up to date with the new technology's that are implemented on this truck.
some things are plain wrong for example that dpf, egr ####, but other than that is all good to have sensors that protect your engines against a major malfunction but in the end i blame the dealer for not give their mechanics proper training.

**Zevede777** · 08.29.2012

What I found is that Volvo has a hard time keeping techs and most in the shop are young kids out of school. The trucks are tough to work on and really tough to diagnose.
full of electrical intermittent issues. The new techs dont last because of the difficulty in fixing these trucks. I replace the blower fan motor on my volvo and decided i wouldnt do again. Must of been 60 little screws and special clips and a couple of hours for me and when I change a blower fan motor in my columbia its 30 min and a piece of cake. Night and day difference.

Think there is a huge shortage of good techs. The young ones dont care and the experienced ones are wanting to retire early.

**DrtyDiesel** · 08.29.2012

Originally Posted by Zevede777

What I found is that Volvo has a hard time keeping techs and most in the shop are young kids out of school. The trucks are tough to work on and really tough to diagnose.
full of electrical intermittent issues. The new techs dont last because of the difficulty in fixing these trucks. I replace the blower fan motor on my volvo and decided i wouldnt do again. Must of been 60 little screws and special clips and a couple of hours for me and when I change a blower fan motor in my columbia its 30 min and a piece of cake. Night and day difference.

Think there is a huge shortage of good techs. The young ones dont care and the experienced ones are wanting to retire early.

Doesn't Volvo know this? Why can't they make it easier? It seems as if the newer trucks get down the years the harder it is to work on them

Ethan

**Zevede777** · 08.29.2012

Think all of them are becoming over the top. Even cars and pick ups are very difficult to work on.
Very difficult for the small carriers and single ownerops to survive. Its the downtime that kills us. The repair stinks but the loss of revenue is the real kicker.