If was getting a new rack installed at the sales lot, we couldn't drive it but if it passes the road test we will be getting a 2005 V50. It will be my wifes car and I"ll get her S60.

It has 98,000 miles on it and I am also wondering when the timing belt service is recommended. Never been a fan of interference engines but since most cars are one of them --- gotta do those belts.

We have two older Subbies that are non-interference. Timing belt broke on one, towed the car home, spent 1.5 hours replacing the belt / water pump and not problem.


It doesn't have the cargo cover and I was wondering where to find a reasonably priced cargo cover. Found some on e-bay but it was a little under $200. Maybe that is what we will have to pay but that seems a bit high for a used one.

Are you going to get a better price at your nephew's expense?

Tisk, tisk.

If you do get a new timing belt (which you should) have the tech check if the car has a HDPE serpentine belt - if so, have it checked using a wear gauge.

HDPE belts do not crack, they do wear out however.

When changing the timing belt is a great time to change your serpentine belt with no labor cost.

120K miles except models identified by engine VIN codes 39 & 64 sold in California, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York and Maine are classified as PZEV vehicles. The timing belt and tensioner replacement interval for these vehicles only is 15 years or 150,000 miles / 240,000 kilometers.
Maximum replacement time interval for all engines except engine VIN code # 39 & 64 is 10 years.

As for the cover, make sure that the V50 had one originally, there will be a hole for the cover to engage in just behind the rear seats on both sides. As for finding one, look around, junk yards might have one.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Is there really any mechanical difference in the cam drive systems in 45 states vs the 5 mentioned "progressive" states? Under PZEV, auto manufacturers are required to warrant the emissions systems up to 150,000 miles. I'm guessing the T-belts got included, somehow, in that requirement. If that's the case, my suspicion is that Volvo simply said, "OK, in these 5 states the first T-belt is under warranty to 150,000 miles", knowing good and well there is really no difference in sprockets, belt, tensioner, etc. Think about it - what are the odds Volvo will have to pay out on failed belts under 150,000. Many times a belt will last that long, "just because". Secondly, there is probably an "original purchaser" clause in the warranty, Thirdly, if a belt snaps at 13 years old / 130,000 miles, how many owners would even THINK that it was still under warranty.

Any time I bought a timing belt or tensioner, I was never asked what state the car was originally sold in. And I really doubt there is any difference in the sprockets or other timing components that would allow those engines' belts to last longer. If someone can show me any mechanical (or part number) difference in timing systems of the 5 state cars vs 45 state cars, I'll gladly have crow for dinner. Until then, it's going to be 105,000 miles for me.

Sorry if this should have gone under the Opinions forum, but I just think 150,000/15 years is flirting with danger.
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Current rides: 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T, 2003 Volvo V70 2.4NA, 1973 Volvo 1800ES (fixed the ignition - now back to the brakes again)

Our '04 V70 has a timing belt change interval of 100,000 miles +/-. I change it at ~70,000 miles. My brother Audi had the timing belt tensioner fail and it cost him <$5000 to have the head rebuilt...

I think the 105,000 or 150,000 mile interval is wishful thinking on Volvo's part. They might last that long and the third owner is going to junk the car rather than cough up five grand for repairs. IMHO.

Greg

Thanks

I'm in PA and Carfax shows first owner to be a PA car.

So using the mileage it would be 120,000 mile interval.
Using the age for a 2005 car it is due now.

I can take the cover off and give a peak to see if there are any cracks on the back of the belt but that isn't always definitive.

Dealer is asking $8,411 and has put all new tires on it, a new rack and replacing the headliner (sagging in rear). The sales guy is my nephews son and I'm not going to try for a better price. The price seems between fair and retail?

I wouldn't take a chance on that timing belt either. IMHO, for that price, the dealer should do it for you as it is a maintenance item on a 10 years old V50.