[DFrantz]

It can be a bit regionally dependent. That's a bit higher than it is here by a few hundred, but it's also one of the services that does cost more than the basic ones. They look over the drive line and the big thing is the brake fluid is flushed and replaced.

 

[DFrantz]

Dealers make money from service... Volvo makes money selling cars. Get one payment a year for service... they only have 11 more to go when it simply makes more sense to just buy a new one with free service and a warranty to boot. Volvo would rather everyone lease their cars and never have to pay for those pesky expensive services.

 

[DFrantz]

You should consider the terms and conditions of your CPO warranty. I have the previous 7 yr version which states "To keep this limited warranty valid, you must have your vehicle serviced as recommended by Volvo."

My dealer in DFW charges $800 for the 40k Factory Service that includes everything recommended by Volvo. Alternatively, I could have oil change, brake flush, engine air filter, rotate/balance done for $470.

With three more years on my CPO, I don't want Volvo to reject a claim because I failed to honor my responsibilities for the warranty to remain valid. If it wasn't a condition of the CPO, I would have opted for the $470 package.

As long as the work is actually done, it doesn't matter who does it though.. but I would wager folks bulking at the cost of maintenance might also not get it done elsewhere. Certainly less questions if it's factory serviced. Though you do bring up a good point too. Technically no service recommended by Volvo requires rotate and balance, but it's generally good practice to do, and alot of shops would quote this for the cost of the next maintenance. After all, it's easier to itemize it and take something out, then to give someone the cheaper quote and say "oh by the way you need a rotate and balance too for $$ more". So it's good to ask what all is included, the little things can add up. If rotate and balance are part of it, that's worth something. Not that it's itemized... but if the dealer is offering a loaner, that's something too. May or may not be a value for you, but it's a value that you won't get at Joes Auto Repair.

 

[DFrantz]

I'm willing to bet that nearly 100% of folks who do their own inspections mean nothing fell off when they drove their cars up on the ramps.