am I being ripped off?

[Mister Sensitive]

My '99 V70 wagon has been through what seems to be a number of high ticket
maintenance/repairs. I do drive the heck out of it -- it's now at @110K
miles. The latest news from my mechanic is that I need a new oxygen sensor
which is estimated to cost @$340 incl.labor. (Diagnosis follows repeated
"Check Engine" warnings.)I am averaging @$200-300 every other month with
various service repsir charges.

Also noted on my account on an ongoing basis is the need to fix my
(apparently) broken upper engine mount and a "noisy sway bar link."

Hate to be paranoid. Also hate to be clueless/easily-taken-advantage-of car
owner.

Thanks for any/all input!

Lady Boo

 

[klh]

My '99 V70 wagon has been through what seems to be a number of high ticket
maintenance/repairs. I do drive the heck out of it -- it's now at @110K
miles. The latest news from my mechanic is that I need a new oxygen sensor
which is estimated to cost @$340 incl.labor. (Diagnosis follows repeated
"Check Engine" warnings.)

my o2 sensor was just replaced at 85k miles (US) for $236.43 parts and
..8 hrs labor @ $81/hr= 64.80 total $301
but this was not at a volvo dealer. you may have a good price there.

I am averaging @$200-300 every other month with
various service repsir charges.

Also noted on my account on an ongoing basis is the need to fix my
(apparently) broken upper engine mount

hasn't happened here

and a "noisy sway bar link."

same here oops no that was on my ford escort wagon

Hate to be paranoid.

or broke (money and car)

Also hate to be clueless/easily-taken-advantage-of car owner.

likewise. need to have confidence in that repair place.

where are you located (I presume usa)

 

[Don Johnston]

I have a 99V70 also with about 130,000km. I recently had some front-end
suspension work done for about $1,300 Canadian. I followed the link from
yesterday in another entry about the ETM. The dealer will do a diagnostic
test for $98. If the ETM is the problem, they will replace the module and
charge Volvo the $98 assessment charge.

 

[doc]

My '99 V70 wagon has been through what seems to be a number of high ticket
maintenance/repairs. I do drive the heck out of it -- it's now at @110K
miles. The latest news from my mechanic is that I need a new oxygen sensor
which is estimated to cost @$340 incl.labor. (Diagnosis follows repeated
"Check Engine" warnings.)I am averaging @$200-300 every other month with
various service repsir charges.

Also noted on my account on an ongoing basis is the need to fix my
(apparently) broken upper engine mount and a "noisy sway bar link."

Hate to be paranoid. Also hate to be clueless/easily-taken-advantage-of car
owner.

Thanks for any/all input!

Lady Boo

Hello Lady Boo:

You don't mention where you live but it seems as if it may be the US.

$340 seems a bit high to me for replacement of an oxygen sensor--but
then again, I do most of my own work and have the true luxury of
having a friend who builds race cars and lets me use his facilities in
a nice heated shop with a lift.

That said, o2 sensors can at times be a real bear to
remove--especially in the Northeast US where rust is an issue.
I took one out last week and on a lift it took me about 5 minutes with
the correct tool. A few days later I did another and it took me over
an hour.

Bottom line is I don't think you are being screwed on the labor
aspect--but the part can certainly be had for no more than $180 US--or
perhaps as little as $ 100.

Still...if you had this done by a competent shop and they used an OEM
Volvo sensor they had to buy and go collect from the dealer, the
price does sound within reason.

Just be grateful your vehicle is not a Toyota Sienna van. I have one
that was given to me and at 54K it needed nearly $600 worth of sensors
and a new $500 steering rack. Total cost to get it to pass inspection
was $2,050 and change.

If you think Volvo parts are expensive just start buying Toyota parts
that are OEM and a dealer item only.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Doc

 

[John Robertson]

Hi find a Volvo club near you and check with them as to what is needed with
your Volvo .At worst they can point you to a decent mechanic who is honest,
at best they might just help you out and fix it for you .E.g. Volvo dealers
wanted one and a quarter hours labour for replacing my oxy sensor and heaps
for the part it took me 7 minutes out and five minutes in for the new part
..The oxygen sensor cost me $AU 97.50 so for what they wanted at $AU640 + I
did for $AU97.50 .