The 05 R is a beautiful car and getting one is just about within my grasp, but folks, I gotta question. The R has so much NEW technology on it Haldex, sensors, servos, software, computers etc, and I'm OK with that. But what do you do when the warranty expires? If that stuff breaks, this doesn't look like a car a Brickboarder can get too intimate with like I am with my 98 V70, without a garage full of test equipment.

With all kinds of discount parts and DIY labor, maintenance is managable right now, but I'm guessing if you buy a new R you better have a wad of cash on hand for the service department after the warranty expires. That's why a 05 T5M (if I can find one) looks a little better to me.

Thoughts are appreciated

The headlight and suspension are computer-controled, too. The computer software can't be adjusted except by the dealer. There is also minimal groud clearance, so check the rise in your driveway. Not just the front spoiler, but there's a protruding bracket for the rear driveshaft and you don't want to know how much it costs if you catch that!

I don't know if a T5 is much better in terms of "owner maintenance" -- and they dropped the "M" for 2005, I know, I looked last year!

I don't think my indy Volvo shop can do much to the Rs except change the oil.

So I'm going for my "200,000" badge. If I "needed" a new wagon I'd look at the 325XiT, 530XiT, the Audis or maybe the E55 AMG or M5 wagons (I know, I know, slushbox ONLY!)

-BTC

'98 V70T5M, 166,000 miles, IPD front stabilizer bar, factory rear bar and HD suspension, Bilstein HDs, Volvo tower brace & skidplate, e-code headlights, V-1, Mobil-1

"The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at or repair." -- Douglas Adams (1952-2001)

ALL new Volvos are not DIY friendly. That is designed into the product to keep customers at the dealership. Independents cannot afford VADIS and the annual fees required to down load software. The company would prefer that you lease a new R rather than buy one outright. Same goes for all of the other models.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)

no fair. i like to brag about my diy abilities.
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87 244, 235K (sold) and 87 245, 314K (RIP), 95 850 GLT 158K---Woodstock, CT

I'm trolling the V70R.com site and the more I research this, the more the bloom is off the rose. The Mazdaspeed 6 is looking a little better these days. 275HP turbocharged V6, 6 speed manual, all wheel drive for about 30K, with Japanese reliability.

I'm not dissing Volvos by a long shot. I love them, especially the R, but after 50,000 miles I'm not gonna be loving the dealer's service department 25 miles away.