I purchased the Volvo prepaid maintenance plan for my V90 from Steingold Volvo. The pricing for the different plans is located on their web site. You should take that information and compare it to what your local dealer will charge.

My plan was purchased shortly after I purchased my car and before I had 1,000 miles on it. The primary concern was to lock in the cost of the maintenance visits after the 30k service. I also purchased the wear endorsement so that it would cover brake pads and rotors, etc.

It is important to note that a prepaid maintenance plan is different from an extended warranty. The former covers routine maintenance on the vehicle while the latter pays for repairs. I purchased both.

 

I purchased the Volvo prepaid maintenance plan for my V90 from Steingold Volvo. The pricing for the different plans is located on their web site. You should take that information and compare it to what your local dealer will charge.

My plan was purchased shortly after I purchased my car and before I had 1,000 miles on it. The primary concern was to lock in the cost of the maintenance visits after the 30k service. I also purchased the wear endorsement so that it would cover brake pads and rotors, etc.

It is important to note that a prepaid maintenance plan is different from an extended warranty. The former covers routine maintenance on the vehicle while the latter pays for repairs. I purchased both.

What's the exact make-up of your maintainance plan (3 services, 4 services or...)and extended warranty (5yr/120k miles or 8yr/100k miles or...)?

Steingold Volvo's website quotes me $2160 for prepaid maintainance only plan irrespective of MY, type and mileage of the Vehicle as long as it's an MY16+ and less than 40,000 miles. I'm not a big fan of the wear coverage as I do not go through the wipers and/or brakes that often.

Their website has no option to check for an extended warranty for Vehicles with more than 1000 miles on the Odo.

If you do not mind sharing with us, how much were you charged for the prepaid maintenance + extended warranty with <1000 miles on the Odo?

 

I never buy extended warranties anymore and have never regretted it. I could pay for a ton of repairs based on the money I have not spent on extended warranties.

The extended maintenance plan is another story. I got a 50K plan for free as part of a special deal, but I’ve gone through two complete sets of rotors and pads at only 27K due to warped rotors and am very glad I have this plan in place in case this pattern continues. First set I figured was bad luck, but second set of rotors went after only 12K. If this turns out to be a recurring problem with this car, I’d want an even longer plan in place. Love the car, and hope this last set fixes the problem, but not bad insurance to have the maintenance plan just in case.


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Good Morning guys!

As I am closing in on 25k miles in my 8-month-old V90CC and nearing the last free service, I was wondering if now would be a good time to start looking into prepaid-maintenance plans for the Vehicle?

I plan to keep this Vehicle for a long time to come and would like to be proactive about maintenance especially with my last minute 1000-mile road trip plans.

With my initial (google) research, it seems the plans offered are (only) up to 100,000 miles and every service (according to the Volvo service manual) after the first 3 free ones end-up costing in the $400-$600 range for every 10k miles up to 100,000 miles. That's almost $4.5k (pessimistically) and about $3k (optimistically) for 7 Vehicle services up to 100k miles.

I had a bunch of questions I needed to ask fellow V/CC/S90 owners here,

I Own a Volvo S60 (Not V90 as per thread) and have a Prepaid Maintenance + Wear Plan (Brakes, Rotors, pads, Wipers). I've seen people price out services in a range of say 300-600 depending on the what maintenance you're at and dealer. that services the vehicle. I will state that you can often find 15-25% off specials at dealers. And often pricing out each piece of maintenance individually is supposedly cheaper than bundling them into a 40K, 50K, etc according to people on here.

See "Pricing" before any discounts / service specials offered by dealers: https://www.steingold.com/factory-scheduled-maintenance-upgrades.htm

That being said, the benefit of doing maintenance at the dealer is if you run into a problem outside of warranty, Volvo is more apt to offer good will assistance. But of course, you're paying for the luxury since dealer maintenance is going to add up to at least $2000-3000 for the 40-100K (7 services). Not including Brakes + Rotors + Pads (Wear Plan) which is not included in the standard prepaid maintenance.

1) Anyone here has signed up or even looked closely into these pre-paid maintenance plans?

Yes See Above:

2) If signed up, why? and if not, why?

Got it for "free" as an apology from Volvo Dealer....Including Wear (Pads, Rotors, Brakes, Wipers)... Which apparently I'm too damn good of a driver and in 40K my pads are still at 10mm and 8mm..

3) How much were you quoted/charged and for what plan?

Dealer wrote $2000 on my invoice including wear, but that was a "generous assessment". Steingold lists $2,160 as the cost of 7 prepaid maintenance without wear for a V90. $3883 including wear: https://squareup.com/store/steingold-volvo-cars/item/volvo-vip-prepaid-maintenance-plan-years-miles-1

4) How many miles did you have on your Vehicle when you were quoted for the maintenance plan?

Doesn't matter. You are buying the number of maintenance and not mileage per say. You are at 25,000. Your last free maintenance is 30,000. 40-100K Prepaid maintenance is $2160.

5) Anyone here compared the pros and cons between buying a prepaid-maintenance plan v/s an extended warranty for their Volvo? What did you finally end up picking and why?

Maintenance is completely separate from extended warranty. Maintenance covers as the name states, regular checks on the vehicle. Extended Warranty covers problems that might arise once the 4 yr / 50,000 mile warranty runs out.

Extended Warranties are a gamble. Most times you lose and that's why extended warranties are lucrative for insurers. The math is done by the insurer and statistically, few people have enough problems to cover their "investment". Now of course, that's not to say you won't be one of those outliers with a ton of issues. But most problems get resolved under the standard warranty.

I've had my fair share, nothing major, but a few fixes that'd likely cost probably a good $1,000. Backup Camera + Wiring Harness + Seat + Software update to fix a Camera that wasn't working properly. My Mirror Motor Died. Other cheaper fixes was gear shift enamel cracked (Replaced Gearshift). And then Rearview Mirror Fogged and was replaced.

Appreciate your feedback. Thank you for all your comments and help!

 

We purchased the Prepaid Maintenance (I believe the form calls it Volvo Increased Protection Prepaid Maintenance, so hopefully we are talking about the same thing). We have a 2017 CPO V90CC that we purchased with 5400 miles a little less than a year ago. The prepaid maintenance covers 3 "maintenance only" services (40k, 50k, 60k miles) and cost us $1790 when we bought the car. After purchasing, I initially had buyer's remorse for buying something now that we won't use for years, but it's transferrable, so I figure there is some value for a future buyer should we sell the car earlier than planned (at least this is what I tell myself for potentially being a dope).

TRANSFER: YOU may transfer this Contract to another owner but not to another vehicle. To transfer this Contract, YOU must mail the following three (3) items to FWS within thirty (30) days of transfer of vehicle ownership: 1.) a completed Transfer Form (or a letter containing the name and address of the new owner and YOUR authorization to transfer); 2.) a legible copy of the front page of this Contract; and 3.) a check for $40 payable to FWS, for the transfer fee. This Contract may not be transferred to any entity in the business of selling or leasing motor vehicles.

 

Where did you purchase the plan from? Steingold Volvo or your Volvo dealer? The 3 "maintainance" only plan on Steingold is listed for $1241. If we both are talking about the same plan (I think we are), you might have over-paid for yours.

Regarding brakes, as I mentioned in another thread, I think my use of cruise control in the mountains may have something to do with the excessive rotor wear and warping. Been through two sets of brakes all around at 27K and I finally realized that the CC is using the brakes on long downhills when cruise is engaged. My last cars just used engine braking, so it didn't occur to me that the CC would sit on the brakes to maintain speed, but I think that's exactly what it's been doing. I drive very long downhills every weekend, and now I suspect that the car has been roasting the brakes in order to maintain cruise speed. So even though most of my miles have been highway, I've had excessive wear and warping. Guess I won't be using cruise coming down the mountain any more.

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Yes. I totally agree with you. The Vehicle doesn't seem to use any Engine braking. In addition, instead of coasting (especially Eco mode), the Vehicle keeps the accelerator engaged while braking. That's just the best way to fry your brakes! I experienced this a couple of times while using the feature in the very beginning and don't use it anymore.

 

Regarding brakes, as I mentioned in another thread, I think my use of cruise control in the mountains may have something to do with the excessive rotor wear and warping. Been through two sets of brakes all around at 27K and I finally realized that the CC is using the brakes on long downhills when cruise is engaged. My last cars just used engine braking, so it didn’t occur to me that the CC would sit on the brakes to maintain speed, but I think that’s exactly what it’s been doing. I drive very long downhills every weekend, and now I suspect that the car has been roasting the brakes in order to maintain cruise speed. So even though most of my miles have been highway, I’ve had excessive wear and warping. Guess I won’t be using cruise coming down the mountain any more.


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For context, I bought my '17 S60 Polestar as a new (demo) vehicle with 80 miles in October 2018 and looked into extended warranties right after I bought it. It still had less than 1000 miles and was considered a new car while I was gathering pricing info. I spoke with the selling dealer, my local dealer (where I will have it serviced during warranty), and Steingold. Steingold definitely offered the best price on an extended warranty and the rep I spoke with was friendly and informative, albeit pushy as is expected from a car salesperson.

I tend to do my own maintenance so I didn't look much into prepaid maintenance. I'll use the included service and then will pay for services as needed. I don't anticipate driving more than 6,000 miles per year so I expect that my remaining services will last me for at least two more years (selling dealer says they used one due to age on demo car).

I seriously considered a Platinum extended warranty. Due to my expected annual mileage, I was more concerned about the factory warranty timing out. And I worry more about electronic failure than a catastrophic drive train issue (crossing my fingers). For an 8-year/80k Platinum with $0 deductible, I was looking at about $2100 from Steingold.

To clarify for anyone who hasn't actually spoken with one of these warranty companies, if purchased while the car is considered new and has less than 1000 miles, the warranty starts at the time the car is put into service. If you buy a demo like I did, the factory warranty starts when the dealer made it a demo, which was over a year ago. So an 8-year extended warranty overlaps the factory warranty, meaning that I would only really be getting a 4-year/30k extended warranty, depending on my mileage. As long as you look at it as a 4-year/30k mile extended warranty (not 8/80 as in my case), you won't be as disappointed.

I decided to pass once I researched the companies that actually provide the warranty. The number of websites with angry customers is disappointing. I'm sure there are also satisfied clients and I don't doubt that some warranty claims are frivolous, but I was very concerned by the number of cases where the warranty company denied claims for very straightforward issues. Since it's not a Volvo-backed warranty, there's not much goodwill to rely on. If you have a good relationship with your dealer, you might get some help if the warranty company is resisting your claim. If not, you might still need to pay for repairs.

This isn't a gripe with Steingold or any other dealer selling an extended warranty. They're retailing a very lucrative (for them) product. I'm just trying to pull back the curtain so everyone can make an educated decision.

And if anyone didn't read the fine print and wants to do their own research, the warranty company Steingold uses is Fidelity Warranty Services.

Good luck!

 

Steingold only sells what Volvo Corporate recommends. There are a million different warranty companies out there, but only one backed by Volvo. A few years ago, Volvo worked with "Warrantech" for their VIP Warranty Plans, therefore Steingold sold that plan.

I've done some extensive research too, and it seems all the bad press about Fidelity is based on their "own coverage" as they have their own personal warranty plans to sell. The VIP is written by Volvo, but simply administered through Fidelity since the company is so large and can handle the claims. The VIP Plan coverage is MUCH more extensive than the generic Fidelity Plan, so I wouldn't be worried.

If Volvo chooses to use a different company down the road, rest assured Steingold will switch their plan to follow. Steingold is one of the few dealers that remain close to Volvo Corporate these days, as too many auto groups seem to pitch third-party plans for HUGE profits, or even sell their own dealership warranty.

Long story short, if you want the Volvo branded and backed warranty, the VIP plans through Steingold are the most educated choice for the consumer. And the discounts they offer make it even easier.

Darn it. I had a whole response typed out and I got logged out. I'll try again.

I don't want to denigrate the VIP warranty if, as you suggest, it's a Volvo-backed warranty. However, none of the dealers I've called for pricing/info have been able to confirm that it's anything other than an aftermarket warranty, including Steingold. Nowhere in the contract or terms/conditions is Volvo mentioned (edit: Yes, it says Volvo VIP warranty at top. Aside from using the name, how does Volvo back the warranty?). If Volvo backs the warranty but has Fidelity administer the claims, I'm still dealing with Fidelity and they have a disappointing reputation. I would welcome an extension of my factory warranty but I'm not finding one. You're purporting that the VIP warranty sold by Steingold is backed by Volvo. If you can provide documentation, I would reconsider purchasing from Steingold.

Thanks!

 

3rd party warranties are often junk. But I believe since Volvo has backed these warranties underwritten by Fidelity, the concern is much less. Dealers handle fixing something under warranty and submitting claim. I am sure if Fidelity Denied legit claims from Volvo, there'd be push back from Corporate. As others stated, the push back is most likely from plans sold directly by Fidelity and not the Volvo Backed warranty.

The CPO use to be the way to go. 7 yrs / 100K with remaining lifepsan from in service date. I.E. I got 72 months / 98K on mine since car was a little under 1 yr old / 2K miles. The CPO is 100% Volvo. Sadly, Volvo neutered CPO to 5 yrs / unlimited mile from in service date. Not all that great since most demos got a year or so shelf life from in service. Meaning instead of factory 4 yr / 50K... you are spending X amount for 4 yrs / unlimited miles. Which doesn't mean squat to most people who don't drive 25,000 miles / yr.

 

Hello,
Can someone help me understand this?
My dealer quoted me 1500$ for brakes/rotors.
But when i try to get a quote from steingold site it is showing me 2800 for 5 services with wear and tear.
I am at 36000 miles can i buy this?
And does anyone know if i can get 5 services from different locations?(I saw that its valid for all service centers)

 

You can purchase prepaid maintenance at any time and use at any dealer. There are two options. Prepaid Maintenance (as name states) and Prepaid Maintenance + Wear (Includes Brakes, Rotors, Pads, Wipers). And I believe new program includes replacement keyfob. The wear package ads about $1500 to the price tag if you buy 7 Maintenance 40-100K + Wear. Coming to about $3750 or there about with promo.

I believe if you use the promo code Swedespeed you save $100 others have claimed.

 

Just thought of updating the thread. I purchased the plan from my local Volvo dealership.

To my surprise, my local dealership not only matched up to the Steingold Volvo's 7-Service plan rate ($2260) but also beat it by a decent margin ($1900). That's less than $270 for each service. So I ended up buying it from my local dealer.

If anyone is looking to buy into the prepaid service plans, I suggest shopping around and maybe get a better deal. No doubt, Steingold offers a great deal, but your local dealership might be able to beat them to keep your business, as in my case! :beer:

 

Is that just for service ($1900) or did you add wear (Brakes / rotors / wipers)?

 

I just posted a similar question in XC90 forum. It seems like at some dealers, service is cheaper than the maintenance plans themselves. Are there actually any benefits from buying these plans?

 

Generally, dealers run service specials and discounts. If you unbundle the services, they are often cheaper than the "service package". I.E. 50K, 60K, etc. The PrePaid Maintenace Plus Wear for 40-100K was around $3700 in 2016. Seems to be around $3900 now. Best compensation ever... cost me $0 for a major F-Up apology.

 

I was a skeptic, but they talked me into it.

Haven't had the car long enough to use it yet though.

 

Prepaid maintenance is one of the most sensible options if you keep your car for a long time. Unlike a warranty, it's pretty much built in guaranteed savings as you're definitely going to use the service. I've found dealers with higher labor rates tend to have higher prices for the prepaid maintenance (as they can justify greater savings). It also comes with key replacement once a year, which is nice. Brakes... you can just have them done twice with the 100k whether they need it or not and you'll have a great vehicle but you can just pay as you go too.

As for XPEL... yuck. I never cared for any of these products. I'd personally rather have a car with a few chips than the film, and the pricing is way too expensive for what you get IMO. I had a car done recently with 3m for a customer and the price was around $1300 for bumpers, partial hood and fenders, headlights, mirror caps, and we got the door cups done too. I didn't even mark it up any and had to drive 45 minutes each way twice to get the car there and back... It just seemed too expensive for what you get and if something isn't perfect (which it never will be) there is a risk the customer will reject the work.

 

Maintenance Plan doesn't always make sense.

1. Depending on Prices (Market Variances), and coupon offers by dealers, sometimes you can save more by paying a la carte. Or unbundling the services done to car.

2. I'd recommend people price out the services individually (and also the cost of unbundling) to see if plan makes sense.

One thing the Prepaid does get you is a report with dealer. So that if there are problems, the dealer knows you and the vehicle. And is more likely to go to bat if a problem arises.