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I could say that "it is what it is", since the contract specifies what's covered and what isn't. However, this wouldn't make your personal experience any more palatable. With this said, my guess is that most extended warranties don't cover the part that broke on your car, unfortunately. So, this being the case, I'm not sure if Volvo should be singled out. At the end of the day, if your current Volvo does not suit your needs or is too difficult or costly to maintain, perhaps it might be better to more on to another car and car brand. However, no car is perfect, and some are more perfect or less perfect than others. Unfortunately, we don't ususally find this out until we buy it.

 

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@mattlach, re post #39 ...
"3rd party extended warranties generally have a pretty bad reputation, but usually the ones sold directly by the manufacturer have a much better reputation, and are often considered as good as the original factory warranty. That is obviously not the case here."

Oftenhand, I'm not aware of automanufacters that offer their own extended warranties. I tried researching on the internet, as well, but didn't come up with anything. If you or anyone else knows of manufacturers that offer their own extended warranty, please let me know.

"when regular wear items are replaced, the vehicle should be designed such that they are easily accessible, NOT such that you have to take the entire engine compartment apart in order to access them."

Can't agree more! Volvo isn't alone with this issue. I think all brands are now, as they try to cram so much into the engine bay. While this issue may be more common now, it has been going on for a while. Two of my 2011 Subaru Outback spark plugs were very easy to get to, while the other two required tons of stuff to be lifted off of the engine. Also, to replace the headlight bulbs for this car, per the factory book, required the removal of the front bumper and light assembly. Looking back in time, I believe for the Chevy Monza (1975-1980), to replace the spark plugs required disconnecting the engine from the motor mounts and slightly lifting the engine. To replace my the car battery on my son's old Honda Civic (forget the year), I had to remove the front passenger tire and losen up the inner wheelwell to get to the battery. On current Benzs, I believe one must inform the car's computer of a light bulb replacement, otherwise the bulb will not work.

"IN the SPA era they have degraded to just being flashy, trendy "luxury" cars like Audi, BMW and Mercedes".

True, but unfortunately this is what now sells. Increased sales volume improves survival chances. Diminished sales volume guarantees its demise.

"JUST ONE of my S90's headlights cost something like $3000?"

LOL! Just last week I had inquired about possibly replacing my wife's 2007 Lexus ES350 headlights because of the plastic clouding up. I believe each light assembly was north of $1500, each, plus installation. The lights turn when the steering wheel turns. Recently I read where a top-of-the-line Ford F150's rear tail lamp cost upwards of $5000 to replace.

"I wish I had a good old Volvo ... Actually I do. My backup / hauler 2000 V70."

I love that car! When my 2020 V90 Inscription and your V70 sat side-by-side, with the rear hatch open, I was amazed that, even with the cars around the same size, your V70's accessible cargo space was so much greater.

 

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Ukcanuck, taking a step back, a $117 difference doesn't seem a meaningful issue. My V90 requires 4 quarts of high quality synthetic oil, while other cars may not. Also, there is some normal dealership hourly charge variance by brand. IMO, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. Buying a near-luxury brand, like Volvo, or a more luxury brand, like BMW, is certain to come with higher maintenance and repair costs than a Toyota.

 

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Thanks, ukcanuck. Didn't realize your focus was more on reliability. No disrespect intended. So far my factory ordered 2020 V90 has been ok, but I know only time will tell. Honestly, I used to put a lot more faith in reliability surveys than I do now. I've often found that the negative survey results transpire multiple model years, and very often don't have much data for vehicles of only a year or two in age. My experience has been that, as models age, the problems identified with the initial models are significantly resolved as time goes on. In other cases, sometimes a model doesn't improve with the production of more in later years. I think my 2020 V90 is an example of a model that improved from its initial 2016 introduction, particularly by fixing the piston rings, improving Sensus/nav screen performance and improving brake pad life. So, to me, when I look at "reliability", it's a brand/model/model year specific issue and, frankly, none of us has good information for vehicles that are just a year or two old, IMO. With all of this said, even though I bought my 2020 V90 knowing about the historical reliability complaints, and with faith in Volvo that they corrected most of the issues, I still purchased a VIP (LOL).

 

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"Volvo overall has tremendous reliability, some of the best." IMO, Volvo's "reliability" falls somewhere between CR's and Old(un)reliable's, but everyone's entitled to their opinion. Due to it's typical and unique ... that's just the ay Volvo does things ... complexities (e.g., my T6 has a turbo & supercharger, a T8 has these plus an electric engine), there should be no surprise when/if failures arise. It's part of the charm of owning a Volvo, along with its outstanding seat comfort and great looks.