Older Volvo - what to expect?

If it is no better mechanically than a new Volvo, I wouldn't touch it with a long stick. As far as mileage, I get 7.2 with a Volvo motor. I drove a Kenworth T600 with an N-14 back in early to mid 90's. Got 7.5 to 8 with it then. The KW had a Rockwell 9-speed. I really liked that truck. This Volvo has had several silly little issues go wrong I might accept on a '94 model. But not a '12. Like a windshield wiper motor going out. Have already had steer tires replaced....no I didnt hit anything. Less than 100,000 miles still. And the seat belt latch needs replaced too, its got a paperclip in it so the "no seatbelt light and beeper" will not drive me crazy. Just silly stuff....not a Volvo fan here.

 

My 2012 Volvo 630 just started that annoying seat belt issue last week, not sure what we did but we got it to work again but with 83k on it I can see it being a recurring issue I would bet. Truck came with Bridgestone steers and drives, steers were done at 75k, drivers side wore nice, passenger side started to wear funny, flipped and balanced but it started pulling towards oncoming traffic so I went back to my Michelin xza3+. Drives though are amazing, very happy with them. Overall, 87k and just a wheel seal so far for warranty issues, hopefully I didn't just jinx myself! Lol

 

I know several owner ops that have that truck. They've been running them regional for many years and wouldn't trade them.

 

The older volvos that we use to run had good drivetrains. But some problem areas we had was the electrical system- fuse panel wiring, headlamp circuits. Also had a lot of trouble with the way the front suspension bolts to the frame. Those bolts were constantly loosening up or breaking.

As far as the fuel mileage claimed above. I tracked our fleet of about 70 tractors, and regardless of engine/trans combination we averaged 5.5-6.0MPG. It all just depends on the type of driving you do.

 

i hate volvos that year just cause they are uncomfortable boxes but they do get the job donme.

 

If you can get it with a fresh dot its not bad. Shouldn't take long to make that 8k back if its been taken care of.